Self-esteem

weightlifter.jpgMen who regularly read ‘lads’ magazines’ are increasingly obsessive about their body image resulting in them doing excessive exercise and possibly taking steroids to improve their physique, according to a study by University of Winchester psychologist Dr David Giles.

Obsessive exercise to build muscular physique is a psychological condition that affects young men and has been dubbed ‘Athletica Nervosa’ by the media. Dr Giles’ survey, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, is the first British study to explore this condition.
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internet-surfing-1.jpgBelief that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me,” has gone by the wayside in the 21st century. With the advent of text messaging, online chat groups and social media sites such as MySpace, Facebook and YouTube, adolescent pranks can be elevated to hysteria and cruel remarks “blasted” to millions in mere seconds. Recently, a text message and MySpace bulletin warned California students that a shooting rampage would take place the next day on campus. The threat went “viral” as friends warned each other via text messages and email, resulting in two-thirds of the student body staying home from school the next day. Although the message was later determined to be a hoax, the fear and consequences were real. [continue reading…]