Body image resources for parents of youth: a scoping review

Introduction: Parents play an important role in shaping youth body image, yet many report uncertainty about how to provide supportive guidance, particularly in sport contexts where body image pressures are heightened. A scoping review was conducted to identify and synthesize existing parent resources to inform the development of an evidence-based, sport-specific parent resource for supporting youth body image. Methods: An eight-step scoping review methodology was used. Databases (Embase, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and MEDLINE accessed via Ovid, CINAHL, Gender Studies, and SportDiscus via EBSCO, and ERIC and Sociological Abstracts via ProQuest) were searched to identify relevant literature from January 1, 2014, to January 28, 2026. Four authors independently screened articles using predefined eligibility criteria and extracted data. Parents were consulted to gather feedback on the review findings. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: Fifteen articles met inclusion criteria (9 quantitative, 3 qualitative, 2 mixed methods, 1 review), representing ten unique resources. Most resources were programs or guidelines delivered in online text or workshop/session formats. Resources commonly discussed body image influences, positive body image, and health behaviours. Few resources were tailored to adolescents or diverse identity groups, and most encouraged parents to provide youth informational and emotional support. Findings from the parent consultation demonstrated a preference for practical, accessible, and inclusive resources. Discussion: Overall, results highlight the need for evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive parent resources to support youth body image in sport. Future efforts should prioritize co-design, evaluation, and integrated dissemination to maximize impact. Systematic review registration: https://osf.io/9hq78, identifier.