Peer Influences, Body-image Dissatisfaction, Eating Dysfunction and Self-esteem in Adolescent Girls

Peer suppression of feelings, internalization of the thin-ideal and appearance comparison were significant mediators in path analyses testing the direct and indirect role of peer influences on outcome variables.

Abstract

A sample of 344 adolescent girls completed a variety of measures designed to index the associations among peer influences, body-image dissatisfaction, eating dysfunction and self-esteem. Results indicated that participants were significantly similar to their nominated friends on self-esteem, but not body image or eating disturbance. Peer measures were significantly associated with body dissatisfaction, eating problems and self-esteem. Peer suppression of feelings, internalization of the thin-ideal and appearance comparison were significant mediators in path analyses testing the direct and indirect role of peer influences on outcome variables. Implications for intervention and prevention programs are discussed.