Familial influences on Mexican American and Euro-American preadolescent boys' and girls' body dissatisfaction

Abstract

This study examines multiple influences on preadolescent boys' and girls' body dissatisfaction over time. Mexican American and Euro-American preadolescents (n=105) completed measures addressing their body dissatisfaction. In addition, preadolescents' parents completed a measure assessing their own body dissatisfaction. Results indicate that boys' body dissatisfaction was related to their body size (body mass index, BMI) and their fathers' own body dissatisfaction; girls' body dissatisfaction was related primarily to their own body size. Findings are discussed in terms of the importance of understanding boys' increasing susceptibility to body dissatisfaction and the role fathers play in shaping boys' feelings about their bodies as they approach adolescence.