User:Nelliemo30/sandbox

Princess Syndrome
Although not a listed medical condition, those who participate in beauty pageants at a young age can suffer from this syndrome. Princess syndrome is a condition where it is believed young girls live in a fairytale state of mind. They focus on the finer things in life and believe the world revolves around them. While a girl is young, these "symptoms" often pass by her parents because they may believe it's just a stage of life. Symptoms associated with Princess Syndrome becomes more obvious when the young girls become older and have the same "fairytale" mindset. This syndrome can mold a young woman's personality and her outlook on life, as well as how she views herself and others.

Connection to Narcissism
Some experts believe that young girls who suffer from Princess Syndrome can potentially be narcissistic - excessive love or interest of oneself. Since those who have the Princess Syndrome often live in a fairytale state of mind, they often believe they are princesses and they are above others. They also place heavy importance on the way they look at an early age. This, according to some experts, can grow into narcissism.

Eating Disorders
Children who compete in pageants are used to being in a public spotlight. It's their job to cooperate and look pretty. Unfortunately, in the pageant world, being past a certain weight isn't considered attractive. For this reason, many teens in the pageant world develop eating disorders such as bulimia. They purposely starve themselves in order to stay at the "appropriate" weight in order to win. Many times glam beauty pageants require young girls to wear tightly fitted dresses, so extra stress is put on young girls to stay fit.

Commodification of Children
Critics of child beauty pageants say the pageants promote children as products. Some describe it a deal. Parents spend money on clothing, hair, makeup, and accessories in return for a cash prize.