Body Image Development within the Family: Attachment Dynamics and Parental Attitudes in Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies

Abstract

Context: Body image is the subjective representation of one's own body and has different component. Body dissatisfaction is linked to low self-esteem and unhealthy behaviors and it is recognized to be at the core of eating disorders psychopathology, therefore many studies search for its determinants. Family is the critical environment where early development and psychological maturation occur and family dynamics seem to play a significant role in body image development. Objective and methods:The scope of this mini-review is to offer a general understanding of the recent research on body image and family functioning. Papers from 2000 and 2017 were selected to represent the different areas of inquiry on the subject, mainly parental attitudes and attachment. Results and conclusion:Many studies seem to indicate a definite role for the relationships within the family in buffering negative environmental pressures and promoting body image satisfaction. Family interactions can have lasting effects on body image which are understood in attachment theory by mean of the internalization of stable working models. Treatment and prevention program for body image concern should emphasize the relevance of positive early interactions and the detrimental effect of the focus on idealized body standards.

Perceived Body Appearance and Eating Habits: The Voice of Young and Adult Students Attending Higher Education

“…These beauty representations usually set extremely high practically unachievable standards. Literature reviews indicated that body appearance issues and eating disorders are more prevalent in women, especially adolescents and young adults [8,9]. Especially notable is the emphasis on thinness in women across all age groups, and the overall presentation of the female body as attractive rather than functional.…”

“…Studies on the effects of family characteristics and body image are mostly concerned with eating disorders [8]. Parents’ actions and beliefs, their implicit and explicit communication with the child, have a significant effect on the child [17,18,19].…”

Predicting Role of Parental Relationship on the Self-Concept and Body Image of Daughters

“…A statistically nonsignificant influence is found between the two variables of paternal relationship and body image. Many research have supported the impact of parental relationship on body image of a daughter (Amianto et al, 2017;Dohnt & Tiggemann, 2006;Michael et al, 2014;Phares et al, 2004) but there have been contradictions as other studies have tapped multiple external factors of influence on a woman's body image. Body image disturbances have found to be more common in girls than boys.…”