Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Weight-related criticism and self-perceptions among preadolescents
Timothy D Nelson1, Chad D Jensen, Ric G Steele
1Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 319 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0308, USA. tnelson3@unl.edu
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|May 21, 2010
Summary
Weight-related criticism (WRC) uniquely impacts preadolescent children's body perceptions and dissatisfaction, especially in overweight youth. Limiting WRC is crucial for preventing negative body image development.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Weight-related criticism (WRC) is a form of victimization that may affect children's body image.
- Understanding the specific impact of WRC on preadolescents is important for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between weight-related criticism (WRC), body size perceptions, and body size dissatisfaction in preadolescent children.
- To explore the moderating role of weight status on these relationships.
Main Methods:
- A community sample of 382 fifth and sixth graders (mean age 10.8 years) completed self-report measures.
- Participants provided data on WRC, non-weight-related criticism (NWRC), body size perceptions, body size dissatisfaction, and self-esteem.
- Objective body mass index (BMI) percentile was collected.
Main Results:
- WRC significantly and uniquely predicted body size perceptions and dissatisfaction, even after controlling for BMI percentile and NWRC.
- The impact of WRC on body image was significant only for children in the overweight category.
- NWRC was a significant predictor of general self-esteem.
Conclusions:
- WRC is specifically linked to preadolescent body self-perceptions, independent of general victimization.
- These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of WRC on children's body image.
- Interventions should consider weight status when addressing the impact of WRC.
Related Concept Videos
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
01:18Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Self-esteem, a crucial component of psychological development, is significantly shaped by familial experiences. The early parent-child relationship serves as a foundational influence on a child's self-concept, with long-lasting effects extending into adolescence and adulthood.Parental Behaviors and Early Self-Esteem FormationEmpirical studies have identified four principal parental behaviors that foster healthy self-esteem in children. These include expressions of acceptance, affection, and...
01:29Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Self-discrepancy theory explains how people compare their actual self to their ideal and ought selves and how mismatches between these self-guides can lead to emotional distress. Developed by E. Tory Higgins, the theory distinguishes among three components of self-concept: the actual self, the ideal self, and the ought self. These refer respectively to how individuals perceive themselves, how they aspire to be, and how they believe they are obligated to be. Emotional well-being, self-esteem,...
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
02:05Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
People can go to great lengths to protect their self-image and present themselves in ways that they want others to see them. Sociologist Erving Goffman presented the idea that a person is like an actor on a stage. Calling his theory dramaturgy, Goffman believed that we use “impression management” to present ourselves to others as we hope to be perceived. Each situation is a new scene, and individuals perform different roles depending on who is present (Goffman, 1959). Think about the way you...