Amount of influence selected groups have on the perceived body image of fifth graders

Abstract

Although numerous studies have examined the influentialness of parents, teachers, peers, and the media regarding children and adolescents’ perception of their body image, little research has been done on the influence those selected groups have on children’s body-esteem. The researcher surveyed 67 fifth grade students at four different area elementary schools in and around Menomonie, Wisconsin. The researcher hypothesized that all of the selected groups would be influential to some degree with regards to how fifth graders view their body, with the media being the most influential. A Pearson r analyzed the data and indicated that there was no significant relationship between total body-esteem scores and the influence parents, teachers, same-sex peers, opposite-sex peers, and the media have on fifth graders view of their body. A Spearman rho also analyzed the data and indicated that there was no significant relationship between fifth grade males’ average rankings of selected groups versus fifth grade females’ average rankings of selected groups. A number of implications for this study are made as well as recommendations for further research.