Submitted by: Eboni J. Baugh, Ph.D., CFLE, Assistant Professor of Family Life

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Wilson, Diane. “ From mothers to daughters: Transgenerational food and diet communication in an underserved group .” Journal of Cultural Diversity, 11, 1, (Spring, 2004), (accessed January 16, 2007).

Introduction

Research has highlighted the impact mothers have on the food choices, diet, and body image of their daughters. Through verbal messages and nonverbal modeling, mothers communicate expectations in relation to body size and subsequently influence the body satisfaction of their daughters. The influence found within this relationship is present within most American racial and ethnic groups, but often manifests itself in different ways.

There is extensive information available on a mother’s contribution to her daughter’s diet, excessive exercise, and body dissatisfaction leading to risk for eating disorders. Additionally, there is a generational link between this relationship and the risk for obesity. The risk for obesity tends to increase in low-income and minorities. Due to poor eating habits and limited information on proper nutrition, low-income Americans remain at an increased risk for obesity. African American women are at a greater risk for being

overweight and obese. Although, obesity rates in women have remained steady in recent years, 77.4% of African American women are overweight and/or obese in comparison to their White (57.3%) and Hispanic (71.9%) counterparts. For instance, mothers in low-income households tend to have a greater influence on food choices often due to lack of information on proper diet and nutrition.

This article addressed three key issues in the relationship between low-income African American mothers and daughters:

• Type of food information transmitted by mothers to daughters
• Mechanism through which food information is transmitted
• Influence of food information on diet and behavior

Methodology

The researchers conducted focus groups with African American women aged 25- 65. Subjects were identified through African Methodist Episcopal churches in low-income South Carolina communities. A total of 21 women were asked questions focused on mother-daughter communication patterns, memories of childhood eating, and mothers as role models. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed for data analysis. Themes, which emerged from the transcripts, were then re-reviewed by the researchers.

Main Ideas

Recollections about childhood eating patterns

Participants reported that their childhood diets were limited, consisting of few food choices, due to large family sizes and parents who earn a low-income. Although limited, these women also reported that their childhood diets were healthy and consisted mainly of vegetables grown in family gardens.

Food advice received from the mother

Most participants remembered receiving verbal messages about food choice. They reported issues that were stressed in African American households:

• Eat your vegetables
• Drink milk
• Breakfast is very important
• You must eat three meals a day
• Always, eat all that is served

Mothers as role models

The women in this article indicated that their mothers were primarily responsible for cooking and often acted as ‘food gatekeepers’ in the household. Mothers determined eating rituals and taught their daughters how to prepare food. Mothers were also role models in teaching their families to be thankful when little food was available.

Mother-Daughter communication about body size

The most interesting finding in this article related to age differences in communication about body size. Older African American women reported that body size and dieting to lose weight were not discussed in their households. Alternatively, younger African American women stated that they remember having mothers who were on diets to lose weight for appearance and health benefits. Interestingly, the mothers of these younger women did not want their daughters to lose weight, and even worried if daughters became too thin. Younger women also reported that they were less likely to continue the eating behaviors they learned during childhood.

Implications for Extension Programs

This study offers great insight for Extension professionals. Educators can use the mother-daughter relationship to educate families about proper diet and nutrition, especially among minorities. With increases in childhood and adult obesity among minority groups, it is imperative that nutrition programs are tailored to fit this audience. Intervention and education programs should be culturally relevant, increasing interest and effectiveness within minority populations. Future extension programs should consider the following:

• Long lasting effects of limited childhood food choices
• Distinguishing between nutritious and non-nutritious foods
• The mothers’ role in food selection and preparation
• African Americans acceptance of a larger body size for women
• Transmission of verbal and non-verbal messages among mothers and daughters

Additional References

Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., Curtin, L. R., McDowell, M. A., Tabak, C. J., & Flegal, K. M. (2006). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States, 1999-2004. Journal of the American Medical Association, 295, 1549-1555.