Siblings' appearance-related commentary, body dissatisfaction, and risky eating behaviors in young women

Introduction. Negative feedback on appearance is a risk factor for the development of problems related to one's body image. Objective. The present research aimed to analyze the relationship among siblings' positive and negative appearance-related feedback, dissatisfaction with one’s body and risky eating behaviors among young women. The mediational role of body-related social comparison has been investigated. Method. 208 young women living in Italy, with a mean age of 23.15 years, filled in a questionnaire containing the Italian version of the Verbal Commentary on Physical Appearance Scale - Siblings, the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire-14, and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Results. Dissatisfaction with one’s body shows a significant link with risky eating behaviors. Weight and shape-related positive comments made by siblings were significantly and negatively related to social comparison, which in turn was associated with women’s dissatisfaction with their body image. Negative comments were directly linked to body dissatisfaction; the mediation role of social comparison with respect to negative comments was not confirmed. Conclusions. These findings underline the significant role of siblings in the development of females' body image. Programs aimed to prevent or reduce body dissatisfaction and risky eating behavior could be implemented; these programs should be concerned with not only negative feedback on appearance but also positive comments because of their relevant role.