O corpo e a imagem corporal em adolescentes: perspectivas a partir do cuidado integral à saúde

Body and body image among adolescents: outlook from the comprehensive healthcare standpoint

Abstract

Objective: To observe the relationship between body, body image and adolescents from the comprehensive healthcare
standpoint. Methods: Qualitative survey based on the following methodological procedures: human fi gure drawing
workshop; completion of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews; focus group and participatory observation.
Survey conducted in 2012 with Grade 8 pupils at a government school in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro State. Approved by
the Research Ethics Committee at the Fluminense Federal University Medical School/Antonio Pedro University Hospital,
which is associated with the Plataforma Brasil program run by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, with the preparation of
a Deed of Informed Consent. Results: In addition to concern about their appearance, these youngsters demonstrated
that body care is a major factor in leading a healthy life. Although there were pupils between 13 and 17 years old in the
same classroom at the school where the survey was conducted, the data analysis did not show that this difference was signifi cant. Conclusion: The importance of working with the teen population is reaffi rmed, pursuing better relationships
with their bodies and body images, as this stimulates and encourages attitudes that foster the adoption and development
of alternative and fl exible ways of rethinking relationships among schools, communities and families.