A PERCEPÇÃO DA IMAGEM CORPORAL EM CRIANÇAS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL

Abstract

Body image exerts a significant influence on the individual's psychological and physiological dimensions, in terms of the socialization process and in their relationship with the environment. The aim of the study was to verify body perception in elementary school children. Such an image, which is constructed subjectively, ends up being influenced by feelings, experiences and own culture; ie; the environment influences how the individual sees himself. The type of research developed in this study was descriptive, in this sense the universe that constituted this study were 42 students from 6 to 11 years of Elementary School from two state schools in the municipality of Monte Azul - MG. Data were collected through the application of the Silhouette Scale and a specific Questionnaire, represented by a script of previously established questions. The information obtained in this study was analyzed from a quantitative perspective, since it sought to investigate the theme through the number of responses from respondents. The results revealed that the perception that children have about their own body image is not positive, since it has an intimate connection with external factors. As was evident from the answers, despite the fact that 83% of the children are within the ideal weight, 40% of the interviewees are dissatisfied with being overweight according to the reference scale used, as well as 75% of the children are with the ideal weight, however, they are dissatisfied. Therefore, it is concluded that in fact there is a great paradox in relation to body image today and this distortion between the real image and the image seen by the individual under the influence of the media, of the fad can represent a great concern, given the growing number of overweight and obese children, which points to the importance of the Physical Education professional in training and in changing the perception of the image and quality of life.