Effects of childhood family dynamics on body dissatisfaction in adulthood

<p>"Past research has identified many singular components of family dynamics that affect body dissatisfaction in adulthood, but have not studied the effects of many different family factors simultaneously. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of multiple early family dynamics on body dissatisfaction in adulthood using a sample of female college students. It was expected that the nature of parental bonding, parental comments, and lack of parental acceptance during childhood would have negative effects on body image in adulthood. A sample of female college students completed self-report questionnaires about their parents from the perspective of when they were a child and questionnaires regarding their current body dissatisfaction. Results found that all parenting variables collectively had a significant impact on body image. Negative comments were the most consistent significant predictor of body dissatisfaction, even when controlling for BMI and self-esteem. The results of the current study can give researchers a better idea of which family dynamics to focus on when studying factors contributing to body dissatisfaction in adulthood"--Document.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology: Clinical

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Kerbs, Adrienne F.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Amani El-Alayli
• Susan Ruby
• Mimi Marinucci

• Body image in women--Psychological aspects--Case studies
• Body image in women--Social aspects--Case studies
• Families--Psychological aspects--Case studies
• Self-esteem in women--Case studies
• Health Psychology
• Human Factors Psychology

Statement dc:rights

• Access is available to all users

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/239

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.ewu.edu:theses-1238