Final answer:
The four external forces affecting body image are Media and Advertising, Societal and Cultural Norms, Peer Pressure, and Family Influences, leading to potential body image distortions and the motivation to conform to perceived standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four outside forces that can influence how we feel about our bodies include:
- Media and Advertising: This external force impacts body image through the portrayal of idealized body types, often leading individuals to view themselves as overweight even though they are not, resulting in distorted body image.
- Societal and Cultural Norms: These dictate what is considered attractive or acceptable in a given society, which can lead to pressure to conform and, consequently, dissatisfaction with one's body.
- Peer Pressure: Friends and acquaintances can have a significant impact through their opinions and behaviors, creating a motivation to change one's appearance in order to fit in.
- Family Influences: Family members' attitudes and behaviors regarding body image and health can serve as a model for individuals, influencing their own perceptions and behaviors.
These forces work together to shape how individuals perceive their bodies and can lead to feelings like inadequacy or the desire to alter one's appearance.