Biopsychosocial correlates of body satisfaction in 7- to 8-year old children: a cross-sectional and prospective investigation

A growing body of evidence suggests that children develop body image attitudes as young as 3 years old and that dissatisfaction with one’s own body increases in prevalence at around 6 years old. Body dissatisfaction is consistently associated with physical and psychological consequences, including clinical eating disorders. Despite this, there are few studies identifying factors associated with body dissatisfaction involving children. This knowledge is crucial for accurate and effective prevention and intervention strategies to be developed for this population prior to the onset of adverse physical and psychological outcomes. The current study performed a cross-sectional and prospective investigation of relationships between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors and body satisfaction in 7- and 8-year-old boys and girls to identify possible risk factors. Overall, child self-esteem and socially prescribed perfectionism as well as body dissatisfaction in mothers were the key factors related to children’s body satisfaction suggesting these as possible targets for prevention and intervention.