of relationship. So what might these psychological factors be? Research has explored the
role of beliefs, the mother–daughter relationship and the central role of control.
Beliefs
Some research has examined the beliefs held by the individuals themselves and their
family members. For example, when attempting to understand ethnicity, studies have
highlighted a role for beliefs about competitiveness, the value of achievement, material
success and a parental belief that the child is their future (Ogden and Chanana 1998). In
addition, the literature has also emphasized beliefs about a woman’s role within society.
For example, Mumford et al. (1991) concluded that eating disorders in Asian girls may
be related to a family background that believes in a traditional role for women. Such
conclusions were also made by Hill and Bhatti (1995).
In a similar vein, when attempting to explain the role of social class research
has highlighted a role for beliefs about achievement and it has been suggested that
eating disorders may be a response to such pressures (Bruch 1974; Kalucy et al. 1977;
Selvini 1988). Lower class individuals, in contrast, may aspire more in terms of family
life and having children, which may be protective against weight concern. Cole and
Edelmann (1988) empirically tested this possibility and assessed the relationship
between the need to achieve and eating behaviour. However, although the need to
achieve was associated with class, it was not predictive of weight concern. It has also
been suggested that class may be associated with a greater value placed on physical
appearance and attitudes towards obesity (Wardle et al. 1995). Further, Dornbusch et al.
(1984) commented that ‘there are higher standards for thinness in higher social classes’,
which may contribute to higher levels of weight concern. In addition, Striegel-Moore
et al. (1986) argued that higher class women are more likely to emulate trend setters
of beauty and fashion, again predisposing them to feelings of dissatisfaction with their
appearance.
Therefore, beliefs about competitiveness, achievement, material success, the role
of women, stereotypes of beauty and the child–parent relationship have been high-
lighted as the kinds of beliefs that may predict body dissatisfaction. Ogden and Chanana
(1998) explored the role of these beliefs in Asian and white teenage girls and Ogden
and Thomas (1999) focused on lower and higher class individuals; both studies con-
cluding that, although social factors such as class and ethnicity may be related to body
dissatisfaction, it is likely that their influence is mediated through the role of such
beliefs held by both the individual who is dissatisfied with their body and their family
members.
Mother–daughter relationship
Some research has also explored the nature of the mother–daughter relationship. For
example, Crisp et al. (1980) argued that undefined boundaries within the family and
the existence of an enmeshed relationship between mother and daughter may be
important factors. Likewise, Smith et al. (1995) suggested that a close relationship
between mother and daughter may result in an enmeshed relationship and problems
EATING BEHAVIOUR 151