The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48120

Martin T Donohoe, MD, FACP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine and Senior Scholar, Center for Ethics in Health Care, Oregon Health and Science University, 3718 Rivers Edge Drive, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, 503/819-6979, martin.donohoe@verizon.net

This session will review historical and contemporary ideals of female beauty, many of which have involved body modifications which are dangerous and/or perpetuate the subjugation of women. These include the ancient Greek practice of wrapping newborn baby girls’ heads; Roman and Persian women’s applying antimony for conjunctivae sparkle; the use of belladonna eyedrops by sixteenth and seventeenth century women to dilate their pupils to produce doe-like eyes; the Elizabethan era practice of hair plucking and the use of lead-based makeup; Chinese foot binding, which causes pain and leads to osteoporosis, falls, and balance problems; and corseting. Recent examples include breast implants; tapeworms to cause malabsorption and promote weight loss; lower rib removals; botulinum toxin injections; and liposuction. Today more than one million cosmetic procedures annually in the U.S., a 153% increase over last decade’s rates. Certainly today most women freely opt for these appearance-altering interventions, yet many are motivated by societal norms promoted by a media which values appearance over character, style over substance. Women who have been sexually abused report more body dissatisfaction and self-consciousness, and may opt for cosmetic procedures more often than those without a sexual abuse history. A minority of teens are happy with their appearance, and a majority are trying to lose weight. After reviewing historical and contemporary trends, I will discuss ways in which the public health community can combat stereotypic ideals of beauty and facilitate adolescent girls’ acceptance of a positive body image involving physical and psychological integrity.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the learner should be able to

• Describe historical trends and practices of body modification in women.
• Identify common contemporary notions of beauty, and the procedures undertaken by women to modify their appearance.
• Analyze these practices in terms of their effects on women's physical and mental health and on women's rights in society.
• Discuss ways in which health professionals can combat unrealistic, media-promulgated, contemporary ideals of beauty, and promote greater self-esteem among adolescent girls.

Keywords: Women's Health, History

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.