Mothers’ dieting habits and self-talk have profound impact on daughters − 2 psychologists explain how to cultivate healthy behaviors and body image

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Mothers’ Dieting Habits and Self-Talk Have Profound Impact on Daughters − 2 Psychologists Explain How to Cultivate Healthy Behaviors and Body Image

Culturally Defined Body Ideals

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Weight loss is one of the most common health and appearance-related goals. Women and teen girls are especially likely to pursue dieting to achieve weight loss goals, even though a great deal of research shows that dieting doesn’t work over the long term.

The Profound Effect of Maternal Role Models

Research shows that mothers and maternal figures have a profound influence on their daughters’ body image. The opportunity to influence girls’ body image comes far earlier than adolescence. In fact, research shows that these influences on body image begin very early in life – during the preschool years.

Avoiding ‘Fat Talk’

What can moms do, then, to serve their daughters’ and their own health? They can focus on small steps. And although it is best to begin these efforts early in life – in girlhood – it is never too late to do so. For example, mothers can consider how they think about and talk about themselves around their daughters. Engaging in “fat talk” may inadvertently send their daughters the message that larger bodies are bad, contributing to weight bias and negative self-image.

Focusing on Healthful Behaviors

One way to begin to focus on health behaviors rather than dieting behaviors is to develop respect for the body and to consider body neutrality. In other words, prize body function rather than appearance and spend less time thinking about your body’s appearance. Accept that there are times when you may not feel great about your body, and that this is OK.

Promoting Healthy Body Image

Science shows that several personal characteristics are associated with body image concerns among women. For example, research shows that women who are higher in neuroticism and perfectionism, lower in self-compassion or lower in self-efficacy are all more likely to struggle with negative body image.

Conclusion

In spite of all the noise from media and other cultural influences, mothers can feel empowered knowing that they have a significant influence on their daughters’ feelings about, and treatment of, their bodies. In this way, mothers’ modeling of healthier attitudes and behaviors is a sound investment – for both their own body image and that of the girls they love.

FAQs

Q: How can mothers avoid sending their daughters the message that larger bodies are bad?
A: Mothers can avoid engaging in “fat talk” and instead focus on promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.

Q: What are some small steps mothers can take to promote healthy behaviors and body image?
A: Mothers can start by focusing on developing respect for their own bodies and practicing body neutrality. They can also aim to stick to a healthy sleep schedule, manage their stress levels, eat a varied diet, and move and exercise their bodies regularly.

Q: How can mothers change their own personality characteristics to promote healthier behaviors and body image?
A: Mothers can challenge and replace perfectionist tendencies with more rational thoughts and behaviors. They can also practice being more flexible in their thinking and resisting moral judgments about food.