The Duchess came fourth in the list
Young girls aren't looking to celebrities like Cheryl Cole and Kate Middleton as their role models, but are looking a little closer to home.
According to research commissioned by Dove, they're looking to their mums as the most positive role models in their lives.
Mums soar above the rest with 37 per cent of the votes cast. In a not-so-close second place, came Cheryl Cole, with Angelina Jolie coming in third and Kate Middleton fourth.
These findings demonstrate that now, more than ever, positive role models, such as mums, are needed in young girls’ lives to boost their confidence and help them achieve their personal and professional ambitions.
The top role models for girls were:-
- Mum 37%
- Cheryl Cole 8%
- Angelina Jolie 4%
- Kate Middleton 3%
- Jessie J 2%
- Rihanna 2%
- Beyonce 2%
The research carried out by Dove looks at the effects of self-esteem among 11-17 year old girls and reveals how prevalent low self-esteem is among this age group.
Despite the positive role models in their lives, young girls are still discontented with their appearance and this is at the heart of the low self-esteem issue.
The research showed:-
· Nearly half describe themselves as ‘average’ and ‘ordinary’ with a further 10 per cent feeling ‘plain’, ‘unattractive’ and ‘ugly’. This is in stark contrast to the attributes these girls most often associate with beautiful women, which are ‘confident’, ‘happy’, ‘smart’ and ‘friendly’.
· The effect of peer-to-peer pressure is even more alarming with negative comments from other girls being the most damaging factor to their confidence. Over half of 11-17 year olds agree that they worry more about what their girlfriends might say about their looks than what boys might say.
Looking at pictures of models and celebrities in magazines is another common confidence-damaging experience for young girls, as 22 per cent feel they don’t match up to the images portrayed, despite there being a high awareness that these images are airbrushed or digitally enhanced.
Ali Fisher, Dove Marketing Manager says “We are passionate about our social mission and want to continue to help young girls and women develop a positive relationship with their bodies. We’ve already reached over 800,000 young people in the UK as part of our Dove Self-Esteem Programme and our aim is to reach 1 million by the end of 2012. We really hope to create a step change for self-esteem with our 2012 campaign”.
On the research findings, Chemmy Allcott says, “Mums are probably one of the most positive and inspiring role models that young girls have in their life, encouraging them to reach their full potential, no matter what their personal interests and goals are. My own mum has been hugely influential in my life and has always encouraged me to be the best person I can be".