Sociocultural Influences and Body Image in 9 to 12-Year-Old Girls: The Role of Appearance Schemas

Abstract

This study tested whether an individual's beliefs about the importance of appearance in their life is a mediator of sociocultural influences on body dissatisfaction in young girls. Participants were 265 girls in Grades 4 to 7 (M age = 10.71 years) from 5 private primary schools in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Girls completed questionnaire measures of appearance television and magazine exposure, peer appearance conversations, autonomy, appearance schemas, and body dissatisfaction. Appearance media exposure and peer appearance conversations were negatively related to body esteem, and autonomy positively predicted body esteem. Most important, appearance schemas mediated between all sociocultural variables and body dissatisfaction.

We acknowledge the contribution of the school principals, teachers, parents, and particularly the children at each of the schools involved in the study. The time and effort taken to participate in the study were greatly appreciated

Notes

A copy of this measure may be obtained from the authors.