International Journal of Health Sciences

How a Mother’s Perception of Body Image Affects Her Child
Dr. Cynthia Silvia

Abstract
The connection between body image, self-concept, and the parent/child relationship has been evident among adolescents and their parents for some time; however, little data are available on the association between body image, self-concept, and the parent/child relationship with younger children. The present study explored how a mother's perception of her body image affected her child's perception of his or her own body image. This research study explored the self-reporting of 54 mothers and 54 boys and girls ages 7 to 10 regarding how they perceived their body image, self-concept, and the parent/child relationship. Results indicated that mothers influence their children's body image and self-concept. A correlation analysis suggested that body image is related to several factors, such as self-concept, physical attractiveness, moral self-concept, personal self-concept, family relationships, social self-concept, a person's academic achievement, as well as parental support, a mother's parental satisfaction, mother/child interaction, boundary setting, independence, level of responsibility, and social desirability. These findings, along with the results of the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale-2 (TSCS-2) (Fitts & Warren, 2003), the Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI) (Gerard, 2005), the Parent Report Card (PRC) (Berg-Cross, 1997) for children, and the Body Image Assessment (BIA) (Collins, 1991), suggest that the management of body image concerns in young children should be addressed even at a young age. Findings suggest that a significant connection exists between the body image concerns of a mother and those of a child. Intervening measures, especially those aimed at the prevention of body image disturbances, have the potential to influence and prevent undesirable consequences relative to body image.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v10n2a8