Mothers' Influence on the Body Dissatisfaction and Weight Loss Behaviors of their Preschool- to Junior-High-School-Level Daughters: The Case of Japan

Abstract

This study examined young girls enrolled in preschool to junior high school in Japan to clarify their mothers' influence on their body dissatisfaction and weight loss behaviors. The survey participants comprised 790 Japanese women aged 20 to 55 years (mean age 37.5 years, SD = 6.28 years) with daughters aged 3–14 years enrolled in preschool to junior high school. Results indicated that a mother's pressure affected her daughter's body dissatisfaction and ultimately her weight loss behavior. The association was confirmed in a wide range of ages from preschoolers to junior high school students. It can be suggested that the message from their mothers over a long period may lead to girls' body dissatisfaction and consequently weight loss behavior from a young age. Intervention for body dissatisfaction is needed for mothers and children starting at a very early age stage.