Parental teasing and body dissatisfaction in White and South Asian females: An exploratory cross-sectional analysis using moderated mediation

Parental weight-related teasing can be associated with body dissatisfaction among children and adolescents. Though this relationship is frequently observed among White females, limited research has been conducted with other ethnic groups. Previous research has demonstrated a strong link between familial factors and psychosocial functioning in South Asian females. Therefore, it may be the case that similar associations between parental weight teasing and body dissatisfaction can be found in this population. A sample of 352 young adult females, comprising 58.7% White and 42.3% South Asian, all Canadian residents, participated in this exploratory, cross-sectional study. They completed the Perception of Teasing Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. South Asian participants reported higher rates of parental weight-related teasing compared to White participants. For both groups, the association between parental weight teasing and body dissatisfaction showed an indirect path through depressive symptoms, with higher teasing associated with greater depressive symptoms and concurrent body dissatisfaction. The association between teasing and depressive symptoms was moderated by self-esteem, showing a stronger relationship for those with high self-esteem (White) or moderate to high self-esteem (South Asian). Additionally, self-esteem was directly associated with body dissatisfaction among White participants but not in South Asian participants. These exploratory findings provide preliminary evidence of a link between parental teasing and body dissatisfaction in South Asian females, emphasizing the need to consider familial and cultural factors in body dissatisfaction prevention efforts. The importance of ethnic-specific considerations for body dissatisfaction interventions are highlighted, while recognizing that additional longitudinal research is needed to further elucidate this relationship.