The mother-daughter relationship : influences on daughters’ body image and self-esteem.

Abstract

This qualitative research study aims to examine the relationship between mothers and daughters, and the influence this has on the body image and self-esteem of daughters. 10 young women aged between 20 and 24 were interviewed. The mother-daughter bond is examined based on the interactions, both physical and symbolic, between the respondents and their mothers. The findings indicate that for the most part, a daughter’s relationship with her mother does not have much influence on her body image and self-esteem. Rather, other sources of influence such as peers and the media play a stronger role. This paper suggests that more extensive research be conducted on a larger sample size to further investigate the significance of the mother-daughter relationship on a girl’s sense of self.