My Body, My Weight: Body Perception Among African American and Caucasian First-Graders and Their Parents

摘要

Research suggests that body dissatisfaction can develop by first- grade and girls tend to be less satisfied with their bodies compared to boys. However, no studies have examined the effects of race and gender and parental factors on body image among firstgraders. Fifty-eight child/parent dyads participated in the current study. Children were given a silhouette measure to assess body image. The FRS, EDI, White/Black Racial Identity Scales, and AAAS were administered to parents. There was no main effect for race on child body ideal, F(1,53)= .43, p= .52, and body satisfaction, F(1,53)= 2.20, p=. 14. No main effect emerged for gender on child body ideal, F(1,53)= 1.86, p= .18, or body satisfaction, F(1,53)= .37, p= .55. Only a few significant correlations emerged between child body image and parental factors. Other factors such as mass media and peer group may be more salient in influencing body image among young children.