Peer influence and body dissatisfaction in adults

ObjectiveWhile a large body of literature has explored the relationship between peer influence and body dissatisfaction in adolescents, limited research exists in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between peer influence and body dissatisfaction in adults and to investigate whether this relationship would be strengthened by one's susceptibility to peer influence.Methods179 adult participants completed an online survey.ResultsMultiple hierarchical regression identified that whilst peer influence was associated with body dissatisfaction, susceptibility to peer influence did not contribute to the strength of this relationship.DiscussionThe current findings identified that peer influence in the form of exposure and engagement with peers surrounding topics of appearance, weight and shape, was a significant contributor of body dissatisfaction. A greater susceptibility to peer influence was not shown to strengthen this relationship suggesting that the effect that susceptibility to peer influence has may differ depending on the scenario and context. The findings have important implications for educating adults on the impact that their appearance and weight related discussions and behaviours may have on their peers.