EDUCATING THE BODY AND THE MIND: THE EFFECTS OF AN INTERVENTION ON CHILDREN’S BODY LITERACY AND STEREOTYPE AWARENESS

Angela Visocchi, Simone Digennaro

Abstract


This qualitative action research analysed the impact of an educational intervention on body literacy in children aged 9-10, focusing on body image stereotypes. Initial focus groups revealed that many children expressed dissatisfaction with their bodies, aspiring to physical characteristics perceived as ideal according to social and media standards. After the intervention, greater self-acceptance and an increased critical awareness of imposed aesthetic models were observed. Children began to appreciate body diversity and reduce comparisons with unrealistic ideals. The findings suggest that targeted educational interventions can foster

positive body perception, counteracting aesthetic stereotypes' negative effects, and promoting school-aged children's psychological well-being.


Keywords


body literacy, image stereotypes, primary school, media literacy, action research

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32043/gsd.v9i1.1397

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