2023-09-11 15:30:00
The Little Mermaid, Snow White… These princesses were part of all of our childhoods. Could they have played a role in the development of our self-confidence? This is what researchers from the University of California (United States) say. The study, published in the journal Psychology of Popular Media, focused on 340 children, a little more than half of whom were girls (source 1). The scientists surveyed parents of children at age 3 and then at age 4 regarding their body esteem and their way to play. First information to emerge from the study: the most popular princess – unsurprisingly – was Elsa, from the film Frozen. Followed by Moana (Vaina) and Anna (Frozen).
The study specifically sought to determine the impact of princesses depending on their body size on self-confidence children. The heroines were placed into three categories: thin, average and above average. Thus, children whose favorite princess had an average build, like Moana, had a better self-esteem at 4 years old. “Medium-sized princesses created a protective effectbuilding children’s confidence in their own bodies and freeing them to play in different ways,” said Dr. Jane Shawcroft, lead author of the study (source 2). “They run, climb huge mountains and fight,” she explains. “For these princesses, their story is more regarding what they can do with their body only on appearance of it. Also, children, boys and girls, whose favorite princess was thin or of average build were more open to playing classically masculine or feminine games. The study may reassure skeptics: the body image of children who preferred a thin princess was not changed. For psychologist Annath Golan, even if “overall the princesses all look the same”, the diversification over time of Disney princesses is rather positive. “Little girls can find identifications among Disney princesses, which was not always possible before.”
Legitimate fears
These idealized and stereotypical images of young women can also cause fear. “People tend to criticize or disdain what children, especially girls, like,” said Dr. Shawcroft, who nevertheless reminds us that “Disney princesses are really important to young children.” They are particularly important because they partly condition the child. “The child’s first game is imitation. These are elements that will allow us to build ourselves, to build our identity “, explained Annath Golan.
“Princesses can also have a negative impact. For example, they can be a source of social split. Families who have money will be able to buy the princess’s outfit, while those who have less will not necessarily be able to,” explains the psychologist. And to continue: “If this can be a source of emancipation – we can dream of a better life – it can also be source of frustration, to see the life that we don’t have and that we probably never will have. »
Television, not before 3 years
As a reminder, television is not not recommended before 3 years. At this age, “television does not develop self-confidence”, believes the specialist, who recommends do not watch Disney films before age 6. “With Disney princesses, there is no room for imagination. The cartoon we are passive. Especially since television does not provide feedback, which is essential for the development of the child’s self-confidence, which is built in relationships with others. »
According to a study by Public Health France, recommendations concerning screens are not always respected in France. Among two-year-olds, “daily screen time was increasing average of 56 min1h20 at 3 and a half years and 1h34 at 5 and a half years” (source 3).
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