Mothers’ dieting habits and self-talk have profound impact on daughters

Mothers play an outsized role in the formation of their daughters’ dietary habits. andresr/E+ via Getty Images − 2 psychologists explain how to cultivate healthy behaviors and body image by Janet J. Boseovski, University of North Carolina – Greensboro and Ashleigh Gallagher, University of North Carolina – Greensboro Weight loss is one of the most common health and appearance-related goals. Women and teen girls are especially likely to pursue dieting to achieve weight loss goals even though a great deal of research shows that dieting doesn’t work over the long term. We are a developmental psychologist and a social psychologist who together wrote a forthcoming book, “Beyond Body Positive: A Mother’s Evidence-Based Guide for Helping Girls Build a Healthy Body Image.” In the book, we address topics such as the effects of maternal dieting behaviors on daughters’ health and well-being. We provide information on how to build a foundation for healthy body image beginning in girlhood. Culturally defined body ideals Given the strong influence of social media and other cultural influences on body ideals, it’s understandable that so many people pursue diets aimed at weight loss. TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and celebrity websites feature slim influencers and “how-tos” for achieving those...