Body Image: Familial Influences

Abstract

Family members can exert an influence on body image through several different pathways. These include the modeling of body image-related attitudes and behaviors through family values, active influences such as appearance-related criticism and teasing, and finally, the effect of family functioning and atmosphere. Although these influences have been shown to exist, they do not affect individuals equally and vary in particular according to gender and culture. The family environment clearly plays a key role in body image and is the ideal target for interventions focusing on body image.