Studies on men’s body image are becoming increasingly popular. They show that body dissatisfaction may lead to certain health disorders (depressive mood, bigorexia, anxiety). This study focuses on the differences in body dissatisfaction among young men who work out to reach different aims (to increase, strengthen or to shape muscle mass). Body dissatisfaction was measured using the Bodybuilder Image Grid Scale. The results of this study show that there are no significant differences between men who exercise in gyms using different types of work-out. However, there is a significant difference between men who exercise to gain muscle mass and those who do not work out at all; the first group is less satisfied with their bodies as far as fat mass is concerned. Moreover, the evaluation of health and body attractiveness was measured using the questionnaire ‘Your values’ and asking men about the hypothetical possibility of giving up their longevity for a perfect body. The results indicate that men who exercise tend to treat health more instrumentally than those who do not train. Finally, those who train regularly find attractiveness of the body much more important than those who do not exercise at all.

This study aimed to review the literature on anorexia prevention programmes targeting the general population and populations at risk and to describe the programmes selected for the review. Methods: The review was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines. The following digital databases were explored: PsychINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. 412 records, including 92 full-length research articles, were critically analysed. Fourteen studies that met all inclusion criteria were ultimately included in the analysis. Results: Most studies described prevention programmes for adolescents or young adults. The majority of the reviewed programmes targeted girls and young women. General and selective prevention programmes were the predominant types of interventions. The evaluated programmes differed considerably in content, modality, and duration. All of the reviewed studies have been published in the last 18 years. Conclusions: Further research is needed to develop anorexia prevention programmes that are more effective, deliver more lasting outcomes, and can be applied in various populations. Methods supporting the broad implementation of such programmes should also be identified.

In the work a discussions focused on negative influences of the media on children and adolescents. The following domains of influence have been described: violence and its three effects: copycat violence, desensitization and catharsis; aggressive behaviour, sexual content, body image and self-esteem as well as physical health and school performance. The media change the system of humanistic values and attitudes of children and adolescents. In order to prevent the dangerous influence of the media parents and educators should advocate a safer media environment for children and adolescents through media literacy.

The aim of the study was to determine how university students perceive their personal attractiveness, how pressurized they feel into being up to the dominant ideals of body attractiveness and if they undertake actions aimed at shaping their appearance. A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 257 university students (including 160 women aged 19 to 27 (M 21.0 SD 17.0) were surveyed. The students completed questionnaires measuring perceived social pressure on attractive appearance, satisfaction with one’s appearance and actions aimed at shaping one’s appearance. The results suggest that the respondents are moderately content with their body images with more positive scores obtained by men. The parts of the body which are the source of disappointment in women are buttocks, hips, thighs and stomach while in men stomach and legs. What is interesting is that the women see the above-mentioned parts as too fat or shapeless whereas the men consider them too weak. The approval of the body image seems to depend on the level of social pressure under which the respondents are; however, the negative influence of the social pressure was noticed mainly by the women. A very low score has been observed in actions taken towards one’s own body eg physical activity, dieting, taking medicines or paramedicines and beauty sessions.