Body image is the mental picture you have of your body that influences factors like confidence, weight control, and self-esteem. This expansive volume delves into the complex topic of body image. The book discusses what body image is, how society and culture affect body image, and if advertising distorts body image. Readers are provided with discussion questions, a list of organizations to contact, and a comprehensive index.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines the term anabolic steroid as any synthetic variation of the male hormone testosterone. Steroids can be used to treat hormonal issues and can help combat muscular atrophy and other conditions. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can also abuse them for purposes of performance enhancement or for the improvement of physical appearance. This informative edition describes issues pertaining to steroid abuse. It...

According to the FBI, 33,000 violent street gangs, motorcycle gangs, and prison gangs, with nearly 1.4 million members, are criminally active in the U.S. today. One of the most notorious and dangerous gangs, Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, originated in Los Angeles and has as many as 50,000 members. The Justice Department credits gangs with illegal smuggling, transportation, and distribution of large amounts of drugs in the United States. This expansive...

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America describes hoarding as persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions. In the United States, 700,000 to 1.4 million people suffer from compulsive hoarding. This informative volume covers the psychological elements of compulsive hoarding but also addresses the legal implications of hoarding. Media coverage of hoarding and the development of reality television shows devoted to the controversial...

Banned Books provides a balanced look at a hot-button topic. Explore the history and future of book banning and censorship, from Ancient Greece to the Comstock Law to the modern US Supreme Court. Discover why books are challenged and banned, as well as which titles have been challenged most often. Full-color photos, a glossary, an index, sidebars, primary source documents, and other creative content enhance the book. It also includes prompts and...

According to the Department of Health and Public Services, 28 percent of U.S. students in grades 6-12 have experienced bullying, and 30 percent of young people admit to bullying. Types of bullying vary widely in severity and can include physical, verbal, social, and cyber bullying. This essential volume explores the characteristics of those who bully, why certain people fall victim to such abuse, the causes of bullying, the physical and psychological...

According to the Mass Shooting Tracker, there have been 1,744 mass shootings in the United States since 2013. The Second Amendment grants citizens of the United States the right to bear arms, but gun control laws vary from state to state. Many people lobby for stricter federal gun control in order to curb gun-related deaths, while others perceive regulation as an infringement on rights. This timely edition takes a look at one of the most contested...

Reality Television provides a balanced look at a hot-button topic. Discover what reality television is, its popularity, and its history, from Candid Camera to The Real World and Survivor. Learn what makes it controversial, including contestant behavior and show themes. Full-color photos, a glossary, an index, sidebars, primary source documents, and other creative content enhance the book. It also includes prompts and activities that directly engage...

The FBI defines domestic terrorism as terrorism involving groups based in and operating entirely within the U.S. and its territories. According to the Global Terrorism Database, there have been 2,608 total attacks and 226 fatal attacks in the U.S. between 1970 and 2011. This thought-provoking edition focuses on issues related to domestic terrorism. It provides details on how domestic terrorism is different than other types of terrorism, the tactics...

Puberty is a critical time for young adults in forming a positive self-image. They are constantly bombarded with images and comments regarding ideal body types from the media, friends, and family. Through charts and full-color photographs, readers gain information about the subjectivity of beauty standards and the importance of being healthy regardless of body type. The material engages readers and allows them to think critically about the stereotypes...