Mothers, Fathers, and Daughters: Dieting and disordered eating

Abstract Abstract Objective: The authors explored dieting and disordered eating in adolescent women and determined the associations among mothers', fathers' and daughters' eating attitudes and behaviors. Method: The authors surveyed 51 mother-father-daughter triads (N=153) concerning eating attitudes and behaviors. Results: Dieting was associated with disordered eating symptoms in adolescent females. Daughters were most likely to diet in families where mothers described them as overweight and commented on their weight. Daughters' weight dissatisfaction was associated with fathers' weight dissatisfaction and comments on daughters' weights. Conclusions: Eating attitudes and behaviors in daughters are associated with weight concerns expressed by parents.