Abstract
The prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young girls is remarkably high. Peer processes play an important role in shaping its development. The present study examined the role of peer influence in shaping girls' eating behaviours following participation in a peer support prevention program. A total of 206 girls (M age = 12.5, SD = .54) completed assessments of social pressure, body esteem, global self-esteem and restrictive dieting before and after their participation in a 12-week school-based peer support group program. Participation was associated with overall decreases in problem eating behaviours, but the program appeared most beneficial for those who experienced the highest levels of social pressure at admission to the program. Girls with higher body mass index tended to show a decrease in reports of pressure from peer modelling after participating in the intervention. Decreases in all forms of social pressure reported by girls following the program were associated with improvements in their body esteem.
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