Adolescent girls' first diets: Triggers and the role of multiple dimensions of self-concept

Abstract

This study explored 1) triggers for dieting in adolescent girls from grade 7 (n — 140) and grade 10 (n = 152), 2) reasons why potential dieters chose not to diet and 3) the relationship between dieting and multiple dimensions of self-concept. Body dissatisfaction, social comparison, and teasing were the most commonly reported diet triggers. Reasons given for not dieting when considering it included conscious resistance to pressure to diet, a belief that dieting is bad, and acceptance by other people. After controlling for body mass index (BMI), parent relations, and emotional stability, self-concepts were lower for dieters than nondieters.