The Evolution of Body Image in School-Aged Children: A Decade of Research and Insights

Introduction: Body image is a multi-component construct that starts developing early in life and refers to how people experience their own bodies. This investigation aimed to review and compile the existing scientific evidence on the development of body image in its 4 dimensions perception, affection, cognition, and behavior, and the development in school age children. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: 79 documents on the dimensions of body image and their association with characteristics such as age, gender, and weight were reviewed. Conclusions: body image perception is being shaped and evolves with physical changes, making body satisfaction, healthy habits, and prevention of self-objectification vital to prevent the development of eating disorders and to have a better-quality relationship with oneself.