Category Archives: Body Image
Strong, on-song and woke but why do Anna and Elsa have to be so skinny?
Published: Irish Independent
Author: Yvonne Hogan
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
“As a mum of two young girls who binged on Frozen, we are eagerly awaiting its sequel. Whilst there has been much discussion about the behavioural characteristics of both Anna and Elsa, who each display strong personalities in their own right, it is a shame that once again we have stick thin figures with unrealistic features, which are not representative of the norm.”
“Anything that children are exposed to at a young age can have an influence on their perception of the world, on their emotional and social development, and on what they perceive as a “desirable” way to look, especially young girls. However, it’s all about the balance between those influences and the influences from their parents. The most importance influencer during childhood is the child’s relationship with their parent. As long as the parent is explaining to their child that the characters they see on screen are not realistic images (nor are they attainable just as Elsa’s magic isn’t!) then this can lessen the impact on their young impressionable brains and allow us all to enjoy the film for what it is.”
Muscle Dysmorphia – Interview on Newstalk – Pat Kenny Show
Pat Kenny Show (Jonathan Healy)
Muscle Dysmorphia a disease of perception where sufferers live in an imagined reality. It is a silent epidemic, where the person becomes obsessively focused on becoming more muscular to the detriment of their mental health and social relationships. More common in males and body builders, media 'ideals' also play a role. We need to mind our young men!.
The rise of steroid use: Irish men are feeling pressure to get a ripped Love Island body
Published: Irish Independent
Author: Áilín Quinlan
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
News that a physically fit, sporty adolescent, had died from severe brain-swelling, triggered by a muscle-building steroid, sent shock waves across the country.
Earlier this month, the Coroner for the case said he was satisfied that that the cause of the death of 17-year-old Luke O’Brien-May from Kilmallock, Co Limerick, was linked to the ingestion of the steroid, Stanozolol.
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Those ‘fitspiration’ photos make me feel inadequate
Published: The Irish Times
Author: Caroline Foran
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
“Unless you’ve been living under a rock with no wifi, you may have heard of the term “#Fitspo”. It’s like “inspo” – that’s “inspiration” for us millennials who are too busy to bother using the full word – but with a different theme: fitness.
Most pertinent across the social media platforms of Instagram and Snapchat, fitspo is a relatively new culture of instant, image-based fitness motivation, but one that for many, should be consumed with caution.”
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The psychologist who speaks about her own battle with anorexia
Published: irelandtodaynews.com
Author: Caitriona McMahon
Interviewee: Dr. Malie Coyne
“This week is Eating Disorder Awareness Week and so when the opportunity to interview Dr Malie Coyne arose based on her lived experience of anorexia nervosa it became clear she could help others break the chains that bind them.
As a clinical psychologist with over 18 years experience and now working as a part-time lecturer on the Doctorate Of Psychological Science in the National University Of Ireland Galway Dr Coyne cuts an impressive figure – but she’s lived and survived the pain that others suffer today in silence.”
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15 ways to support a loved one with an eating disorder
Published: Irish Independent
Author: Áilín Quinlan
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
“Up to a staggering 200,000 people in Ireland are affected by eating disorders. To mark Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Áilín Quinlan talks to Harriet Parsons, psychotherapist with BodyWhys, and with clinical psychologist Dr Malie Coyne, a lecturer at NUI Galway to address some of the common myths surrounding the issue.”
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