Mattel’s introduction of tall, curvy, and petite body shapes to the Barbie line may have been the right move to prevent body dissatisfaction in young girls.

Mattel’s introduction of tall, curvy, and petite body shapes to the Barbie line may have been the right move to prevent body dissatisfaction in young girls. A study published in the journal Body Image reports that 6-8-year-old girls who play with thin dolls are more likely to be dissatisfied with their own bodies, compared to those who played with full-figured dolls. The study also looked into the effects of dolls dressed in swimsuits versus “modest” outfits and found there was no difference in impact. Body dissatisfaction has been cited as leading to eating disorders later in life. (NYMag)