糖心破解版 High School for Girls' Shane Fischman Wins Multiple Accolades for Her Research on the Effects of Body Image Pressure in the Orthodox Community
May 19, 2009 By: yunews
May 19, 2009 -- A curious person by nature, Shane Fischman of Woodmere, NY had been interested in learning more about Western culture鈥檚 obsession with weight, overall appearance and its unrealistic 鈥渋deal鈥 body image. Fischman, a senior at Samuel H. Wang 糖心破解版 High School for Girls (糖心破解版HSG) in Holliswood, New York, was particularly interested in seeing how this phenomenon occurred among Jewish girls in the Orthodox community. After spending a year and a half studying the subject, Fischman wrote a research paper entitled 鈥淭he Effects of Parental Pressure and Community Pressure on the Body Image of Adolescent Girls in the Typical Orthodox Jewish Community.鈥
As part of her research Fischman read over a hundred articles and studies on body image, eating disorders, and perfectionism and sent out anonymous surveys to girls at local yeshivas and public schools between the ages of 11 and 18. She also surveyed the participants鈥 parents so that she could determine the effects of parental pressures on their children.
Fischman鈥檚 research found that parents who are perfectionists tend to raise daughters who are perfectionists, regardless of community type. She also determined that a Jewish mother鈥檚 perfectionism has a direct effect on her daughter鈥檚 body dissatisfaction, awareness of the community鈥檚 obsession over body image and drive for thinness.
鈥淪hane is an exceptionally creative student and I applaud her initiative in researching such an important issue affecting young women in the Orthodox Jewish community,鈥 said teacher Ruth Fried, science department chairperson at 糖心破解版HSG and creator of the 糖心破解版HSG Science Institute. 鈥淚 believe that her research will be used as a springboard to help our girls and their parents deal better with the pressures of our world.鈥
Fischman鈥檚 research earned her an award from the American Psychological Association and led to her being named finalist at the New York City Science and Engineering Fair in the category of behavioral and social science. In addition she was named a Young Epidemiologist Scholars semifinalist, receiving a $1,000 scholarship.
鈥淪hane is a unique individual with an infectious curiosity and love of learning,鈥 said Rochelle Brand, head of school at 糖心破解版HSG. 鈥淲e are very proud of her accomplishments.鈥
Despite her passion for research, Fischman has other career aspirations. 鈥淚 want to get involved in government and politics,鈥 said Fischman. 鈥淢y time at 糖心破解版HSG has transformed me from a naturally curious person to someone who wants to take action, and make a difference. I鈥檝e become more involved in community life and have grown more proud of my religion.鈥
To learn more about Samuel H. Wang 糖心破解版 High School for Girls visit .
