Direct and Indirect Parental Influences on Body Image Dissatisfaction in Adult Offspring

Abstract

Introduction: Body image dissatisfaction is a risk and maintenance factor for disordered eating. Parents may contribute to offspring body image dissatisfaction through weight-related criticism (direct influence), as well as expressed parental body image dissatisfaction and dieting (indirect influence). This study retrospectively investigated the contribution of parental influence towards adult offspring's body image dissatisfaction. Methods: One hundred and fifty six participants from a general community sample completed a survey recording their experience of direct and indirect parental influence throughout adolescence, in addition to their current body image satisfaction. Results: While controlling for peer and media influences, hierarchical linear regression determined that parental influence was a significant contributor to offspring body image dissatisfaction (p < 0.001), and this effect was driven by direct influence (p < 0.001). Indirect parental influence was non-significant (p = 0.899). Conclusions: The observed strength of direct influence supports the need for parents to reinforce positive weight-related behaviours at home as a method of reducing and managing body image dissatisfaction levels in their offspring.