Kimberly Davidson, Author Of 'Torn Between Two Masters', Issues Statement On Teenage Plastic Surgery

Adolescents today live in a more dangerous, oppressive, and media-saturated world. They face more pressures and are coerced into starving themselves and undergoing unnecessary teenage plastic surgery procedures. Appearance is important to teenagers because they are building their identity and confidence

Teen Mom' Farrah Abraham keeps making the news with each new plastic surgery procedure intended to mold her to look like another celebrity. Many teens truly believe looking like their favorite celebrity is the only way to form an identity. Reports indicate that the widespread availability of plastic surgery, plus the pervasive influence of reality shows promoting physicality are having a profound effect on the self-worth of young people, especially girls.

In a December, 2012 press release, a Seattle plastic surgeon stated that younger patients are turning to BOTOX®. Davidson said, “Unlike adults who choose plastic surgery and use BOTOX® to turn back the clock, many teens desire it in order to fit in. They believe it will make them popular and/or they will no longer be bullied about a defect. What they do not realize is that despite cutting-edge cosmetic procedures, there is no guarantee of a perfect result or happiness. Unrealistic expectations about plastic surgery can set a teen up for major disappointment.” Davidson knows this all too well. In her book ‘Torn Between Two Masters’ she candidly speaks about her blotched rhinoplasty.

When asked, “How do you respond when a healthy child insists she needs plastic surgery because she's too fat or is being teased?” Davidson replied, “I tell parents four things:

1.    Accept the adolescent's reality. Acknowledge that you understand the pressure teens are under and you would like to hear their thoughts on the issue.
2.    When expressing your concern try to remain non-confrontational.
3.    Ask them to express what they truly desire to attain from the procedure. Be empathetic.
4.    Help them to think through reality and gain a more objective perspective.

Ms. Davidson added, “The bottom line is, most girls want to feel attractive and captivating. Tell your daughter often that she’s pretty. And it is as or more important to emphasize character over appearance.” It is critical to help teens build a sense of significance and purpose, thereby minimizing celebrity obsession. Davidson’s book addresses the ways parents and mentors can do that.

Other subjects covered in ‘Torn Between Two Masters: Encouraging Teens to Live Authentically in a Celebrity-Obsessed World’ include but are not limited to:

•    Why the lure of celebrity is so powerful
•    How to minimize celebrity obsession by increasing a teen's self-worth
•    The best ways to help teens navigate and be critical of the media
•    How to identify and discourage negative and normalized behaviors such as eating disorders and 'hooking up’
•    How Jesus Christ can transform a teen's life into one of purpose

“From a pastoral counselor's perspective” continued Ms. Davidson, “I believe readers will find ‘Torn Between Two Masters’ especially interesting, as the book explores the captivating, and serious, implications of this culture's obsession with celebrities and the effect it has on adolescents. It provides timely insights for parents, youth leaders, and anyone else who loves and mentors teenagers.”

Kimberly Davidson is available for media interviews and speaking engagements and can be reached using the information below or by email at kim@kim-davidson.com. More information is available at her website. ‘Torn Between Two Masters: Encouraging Teens to Live Authentically in a Celebrity-Obsessed World’ is available at Amazon and other online book retailers.

About Kimberly Davidson:

Kimberly Davidson received a MA from Western Seminary, a BS from the University of Iowa, and is a board certified biblical counselor. She has ministered to women for over ten years, from the walls of prison to youth centers, inspiring them to empower God to meet their emotional and spiritual needs. Kimberly is also a Her Journey leader with ARMS (Abuse Recovery Ministry Services) and a Guest Instructor at Western Seminary on the subject of Eating Disorders and Body Image.

Contact:

Kimberly Davidson
http://www.olivebranchoutreach.com
kim@kim-davidson.com

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Kimberly Davidson, Author Of ‘Torn Between Two Masters’ Believes Eating Disorders In Some Adolescents Can Be Avoided

Author Kimberly Davidson offers advice to parents whose adolescent child suffers from an eating disorder in ‘Torn Between Two Masters’. Though divorce, abuse or loss of a loved one can be important contributing factors, she believes the fashion and media industries are directly responsible in many ways

As reported in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, a recent study demonstrated that a very significant percentage of adolescents suffer from eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. The study looked at 942 adolescents between 14 and 20 years of age who entered the University of Michigan Medical Center between October 2010 and March 2011. The study reported that female adolescents were 3.27 times more likely than males to suffer from these disorders, while no significant differences were found across income or ethnic groups.

Why the significant difference between females and males, all other things being equal? Kimberly Davidson, author of ‘Torn Between Two Masters’, believes mass media messages and the body images set by the modeling and movie industries have affected the increase of eating disorders in teens, both female and male.

“Most American teenage girls,” stated Ms. Davidson, “feel increased pressured by the fashion and media industries to be skinny. They struggle when they look at themselves in the mirror. Compared to guys, there are radical differences when it comes to acceptable body type preferences—from the super thin male models, to the hyper-muscular Mr. Universe. In general, women must adhere only to the thin female ideal. And typically males view seeking professional help as a sign of weakness. Traumatic issues such as divorce, abuse or the loss of a loved one, often play a major role in enabling eating disorders, but those will likely be the same for all groups. The high percentage of females likely reflects the pressure media images place on female adolescents. Teens are vulnerable and need help navigating mass media. It is a parent or guardian’s job to protect their children from poisonous role models. The key is education in media literacy.”

The study linked together depression and substance abuse. “Eating dinner together,” responded Ms. Davidson, “has been shown to prevent or reduce the risk of eating disorders, depression, and drug and alcohol use. It doesn't have to be a home-cooked meal. The idea is to bring the family together.”

Other subjects covered in ‘Torn Between Two Masters: Encouraging Teens to Live Authentically in a Celebrity-Obsessed World’ include but are not limited to:

* Why the lure of celebrity is so powerful
* How to minimize celebrity obsession by increasing a teen's self-worth
* The best ways to help teens navigate and be critical of the media
* How to identify and discourage negative and normalized behaviors such as 'hooking up’ and body sculpturing
* How Jesus Christ can transform a teen's life into one of purpose

“From a pastoral counselor's perspective” continued Ms. Davidson, “I believe readers will find ‘Torn Between Two Masters’ especially interesting, as the book explores the captivating, and serious, implications of this culture's obsession with celebrities and the effect it has on adolescents. It provides timely insights for parents, youth leaders, and anyone else who loves and mentors teenagers.”

Kimberly Davidson is available for media interviews and speaking engagements and can be reached using the information below or by email at kim@kim-davidson.com. More information is available at her website. ‘Torn Between Two Masters: Encouraging Teens to Live Authentically in a Celebrity-Obsessed World’ is available at Amazon and other online book retailers.

About Kimberly Davidson:

Kimberly Davidson received a MA from Western Seminary, a BS from the University of Iowa, is a board certified biblical counselor and spiritual development coach. She has ministered to women for over ten years, from the walls of prison to youth centers, inspiring them to empower God to meet their emotional and spiritual needs. Kimberly is also a Her Journey leader with ARMS (Abuse Recovery Ministry Services) and a Guest Instructor at Western Seminary on the subject of Eating Disorders and Body Image.

Kimberly is the author of five books and a contributor to five books, and has penned numerous articles. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kimberly has lived in Iowa, New York (Long Island), London, suburbia Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Contact:

Kimberly Davidson
http://www.olivebranchoutreach.com
kim@kim-davidson.com

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Kimberly Davidson, Author Of ‘Torn Between Two Masters’ Believes Father’s Advice Is Key To Reducing Unwanted Teenage Pregnancy And Risky Behavior

Author Kimberly Davidson offers advice to parents whose adolescent daughters may be glamorizing pregnancy and single motherhood in ‘Torn Between Two Masters’. Now a new study demonstrates that a father’s influence may be an important key to reducing teenage pregnancy

'In her book ‘Torn Between Two Masters: Encouraging Teens to Live Authentically in a Celebrity-Obsessed World’, Kimberly Davidson raises important questions about the religion of celebrity and its effect on adolescents today. These important issues include teenage pregnancy and single motherhood.

"Many female celebrities,” stated Ms. Davidson, “glamorize single parenthood. Their message to young girls is women don't need a guy to start a family and to be good mothers. This is a destructive message. Considerable scientific and sociological research points toward a common conclusion: Fathers matter and offer so many benefits to their children. It is clear that although mothers play a vital role in raising daughters (and sons), a father's relationship with his daughter can result in significant and measurable improvements to his daughter's life."

Recent studies support Ms. Davidson’s view. A review about the effect fathers have on the behavior of children appears in the November print issue of Pediatrics. The review encompasses 13 studies. While offering no statistical proof due to the nature of the review, it suggests communication between fathers and children is influential in reducing risky behavior in young people.

Other subjects covered in ‘Torn Between Two Masters: Encouraging Teens to Live Authentically in a Celebrity-Obsessed World’ include but are not limited to:

* Why the lure of celebrity is so powerful
* How to minimize celebrity obsession by increasing a teen's self-worth
* The best ways to help teens navigate and be critical of the media
* How to identify and discourage negative and normalized behaviors such as eating disorders and 'hooking up’
* How Jesus Christ can transform a teen's life into one of purpose

“From a pastoral counselor's perspective” continued Ms. Davidson, “I believe readers will find ‘Torn Between Two Masters’ especially interesting, as the book explores the captivating, and serious, implications of this culture's obsession with celebrities and the effect it has on adolescents. It provides timely insights for parents, youth leaders, and anyone else who loves and mentors teenagers.”

Kimberly Davidson is available for media interviews and speaking engagements and can be reached using the information below or by email at kim@kim-davidson.com. More information is available at her website. ‘Torn Between Two Masters: Encouraging Teens to Live Authentically in a Celebrity-Obsessed World’ is available at Amazon and other online book retailers.

About Kimberly Davidson:

Kimberly Davidson received a MA from Western Seminary, is a board certified biblical counselor and spiritual development coach. She has ministered to women for over ten years, from the walls of prison to youth centers, inspiring them to empower God to meet their emotional and spiritual needs. Kimberly is also a Her Journey leader with ARMS (Abuse Recovery Ministry Services) and a Guest Instructor at Western Seminary on the subject of Eating Disorders and Body Image.

Kimberly is the author of five books and a contributor to five books, and has penned numerous articles. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kimberly has lived in Iowa, New York (Long Island), London, suburbia Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Contact:

Kimberly Davidson
http://www.olivebranchoutreach.com
kim@kim-davidson.com

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