Maternal Modeling Online

Abstract

This study explored the dynamics of mother/daughter dyads on social networking sites (SNSs). 40 mother/daughter dyads completed online surveys. Predictor variables included overall SNS use, photo activities, and interaction activities. Outcome variables included Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), body shape satisfaction scale (BSSS), sociocultural attitudes towards appearance questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4), children's eating attitude test (ChEAT)/the eating attitudes test (EAT-26), and physical activity. A pooled regression actor-partner interdependence model was used. Notably, of daughter partner effects: Overall SNS use and RSES (t = -2.28), Overall SNS use and BSSS (t = -2.50), Overall SNS use and SATAQ-4 (t = 4.47), Overall SNS use and EAT-26/ChEAT (t = 4.59), SNS photo activities and SATAQ-4 (t = 4.03), SNS photo activities and EAT-26/ChEAT (t = 3.92), SNS interaction activities and RSES (t = 2.46), and SNS interaction activities and RSES (t = -3.83) were significant (p<.05); suggesting mothers need to foster positive SNS behavior.