Mother/daughter attachment and its relationship with body dissatisfaction, aesthetic models and eating behaviors

Abstract

Perception of maternal behaviors and attitudes in daughters and their levels of body satisfaction, eating behavior and influence of body aesthetic models were analysed. A quantitative, cross-sectional, intentional, non-probabilistic and snowball approach was used. Twenty-two mother/daughter dyads (n = 44) completed the PBI, BSQ, CIMEC and E-TONA. A descriptive statistical analysis, calculation of percentages and correlation coefficients were carried out using the SPSS programme. Daughters mainly perceived maternal control without affection (31.8%); in 18.2% both were on a diet; 40.9% of daughters versus 22.7% of mothers showed alteration of body scheme, exhibiting discomfort, in 63.6% and 45.5%, respectively. Maternal overprotection perceived by daughters was statistically significant (r =0.513, p = 0.015). Levels of body satisfaction in daughters (r = 0.694; p =0.000), weight concern (r =0.612; p =0.002) and body image (r =0.707; p =0.000), were correlated directly and significantly with those of mothers and with agents and situations that broadcast the aesthetic model of their mothers (r =0.544, p =0.009 and r =0.625, p =0.001, respectively). Daughters´ perception of a maternal control without affect with over-concern was observed, in addition to alteration of body scheme in mothers and daughters and a significant influence of body aesthetic models.