Breaking the Body Image Cycle

Abstract

Body image includes the mental representation one has of their body, along with the thoughts and feelings about that body. When discussing the development of body image in young girls, it is most common to review outside influences like media, but more research is being done on more proximate factors like family. In particular, there has been a focus on how mothers negatively affect their adolescent daughters' body image. By examining the qualities of mother-daughter relationships as well as maternal modeling, we can understand how mothers are affecting their daughters in terms of self-esteem and body satisfaction. Because a mother and daughter's self-objectification are positively related to one another, a mother's body attitude and her beliefs about beauty standards are negatively influencing her daughter's body image. Daughters are internalizing their mothers' insecurities. Mirroring mothers' weight concerns and dieting habits are putting adolescent girls at a greater risk for disordered eating. Disordered eating can have especially critical effects when the daughter is going through puberty, as it can inhibit proper physical and mental development. The perpetuation of a societal ideal thin by mothers is harmful to both daughters and the society they grow up in. Acknowledging their role in the development of their daughters' body image can assist mothers in filtering out negative influences while reinforcing positive ones. Efforts to prevent negative body image among adolescent girls can include modeling healthy behavior, like avoiding diets, and providing an environment that fosters healthy choices. These endeavors can help children develop identities that go beyond physical appearance.