Maternal and adolescent report of mothers' weight-related concerns and behaviors: Longitudinal associations with adolescent body dissatisfaction and weight control practices

Patricia A. Van Den Berg, Helene Keery, Marla Eisenberg, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This population-based study examined mothers' weight-related concerns and behaviors (weight status, weight dissatisfaction, dieting, and encouraging child to diet) at baseline, as assessed by both mothers and adolescents, and associations with adolescents' body dissatisfaction and weight control practices 5 years later. Methods: Adolescents and their mothers (n = 443 pairs) were surveyed in 1998-1999; adolescents were resurveyed in 2003-2004. Results: Baseline maternal report of higher levels of her weight-related concerns/behaviors was associated with greater body dissatisfaction in girls 5 years later, controlling for adolescent weight status and other covariates. Baseline maternal report of weight-related concerns/behaviors was also associated with greater prevalence of trying to lose weight in both boys and girls 5 years later. Baseline adolescent report of higher maternal weight-related concerns/behaviors was associated with a higher prevalence of trying to lose weight 5 years later in girls. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of mothers' weight-related concerns and behaviors for adolescents' weight-related outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1093-1102
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology
Volume35
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • body image
  • dieting
  • disordered eating
  • longitudinal
  • parent
  • weight loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Maternal and adolescent report of mothers' weight-related concerns and behaviors: Longitudinal associations with adolescent body dissatisfaction and weight control practices'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this