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Related Experiment Videos

Parental input and weight concerns among elementary school children.

L Smolak1, M P Levine, F Schermer

  • 1Department of Psychology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH 43022, USA.

The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|April 7, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Parental comments about weight significantly impact children's body image and concerns, with mothers' comments being particularly influential. Parental modeling also plays a role, especially for girls, highlighting the need for prevention programs.

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Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Health Psychology

Background:

  • Parental influence on child development is well-established.
  • Weight and shape concerns are increasingly prevalent in children.
  • Understanding parental impacts on child body image is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct effects of parental direct comments versus parental modeling of weight concerns on children.
  • To assess the influence of mothers' and fathers' behaviors on children's body esteem, weight concerns, and weight loss attempts.
  • To examine gender differences in response to parental weight-related behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Survey methodology involving 131 mothers and 89 fathers of fourth and fifth graders.

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  • Assessment of parental dieting, shape concerns, and comments about child's weight.
  • Children's self-reported body esteem, weight concerns, and weight loss attempts were measured.

    • Main Results:

    • Direct parental comments, particularly from mothers, showed a stronger impact on children than parental modeling.
    • Parental modeling of weight and shape concerns influenced children's beliefs and behaviors.
    • Girls demonstrated greater susceptibility to parental weight-related influences compared to boys.

    Conclusions:

    • Parental communication and behavioral modeling significantly shape elementary school children's attitudes and behaviors regarding weight and shape.
    • Parental weight-related behaviors represent a potential target for obesity prevention and body image programs in children.
    • Interventions should consider addressing both direct parental commentary and parental modeling of weight concerns.