Body dissatisfaction and the pressure of family and peers as risk factors for the development of eating disorders

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction (IC) and weight concerns can lead adolescents and children to adopt inappropriate eating behaviors, and trigger an eating disorder (ED). These attitudes may be influenced by family beliefs and peer group. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between IC and the development of symptoms of ED in children and adolescents, mediated by the pressure exerted by family and friends. The study included 1479 children and adolescents. Data suggested that: a) the boys / girls who thought their weight was not right had more symptoms of ED, compared to boys / girls who thought nothing about it, especially girls, b) the boys / girls who thought they should lose weight -for themselves, for recommendation of family and / or friends-, had more symptoms of ED than boys/girls who did not think so. The IC is a risk factor for the development of ED in children and adolescents, and even more in girls, and may be influenced by the attitudes of parents and peers toward weight.