Table 3 Summary of parent ideas about influences on child body image
Ideas mentioned by parents | Number of groups mentioning | Theme developed |
|---|---|---|
Child’s body size (e.g., height or weight) | 3 | Child’s body size |
Parent’s body image (e.g., own body image impacting child) | 5 | Parent body image |
Parent weight/appearance behaviors (e.g., weighing self) | 1 | |
Parent comments on own appearance | 2 | |
Language (e.g., Fat) | 1 | Indirect comments |
Parent comments in general (e.g., Use of word fat) | 2 | |
Parent comments about others around child | 2 | |
Parent comments to others around child | 1 | |
Others comments/behaviors about child appearance | 2 | |
Parent comments to the child about their appearance (direct) | 1 | Direct comments |
Others commenting on child | 6 | |
Sibling (e.g., imitating older) | 3 | Sibling |
Socio-cultural influences in general | 4 | Socio-cultural factors |
Media | 7 | |
Children’s stories/books | 6 | |
Barbie | 2 | |
Activity (e.g., dancing) | 1 | |
Role modelling (e.g., child influenced by someone they admire) | 1 | |
Peers who are aware of their body image | 6 | Peers |
Start socialising with other children | 1 | |
Starting kinder | 3 | |
Starting school | 2 |