Abstract
Statement of Problem
Most research suggests that body image dissatisfaction affects between 28 and 55% of women in American society (Choate, 2005; Clark & Tiggemann, 2006; Clark & Tiggemann, 2007; Clark & Tiggemann, 2008; Fisher, Gullone, & Kotanski 2003). This study examines the degree of influence a mother may have on her daughter's body image by using, the Body Image Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, and one instrument developed by the researcher to explore mothers' influences using images of body shapes.
Sources of Data
Data was collected at California State University, Sacramento from 56 female social work undergraduates, between the ages of 20 and 52, who had lived at home with their biological mothers for at least 15 years.
Conclusions Reached
The results for the level of body image satisfaction showed that this sample had low levels of body image satisfaction. Using chi-square analysis this research showed there was a statistically significant relationship between the ideal body shape the participant choose for her and the participants' view of the ideal body shape her mother would choose for her. The most common body shape chosen was a figure with pronounced hips and bust and little emphasis on her waste. The second most common body shape was represented with a rectangular shaped figure with pronounced hips and bust and no emphasis on her waist. The chi-square value for this relationship was 16.581 and the p-value was .011, meaning there was about a 1% possibility that this relationship could happen by chance.