An Examination of the Influence of Ethnic Identity and Parental Attachment on the Body Esteem of Black Sorority Women

Abstract

The primary goal of the current study was to explore the influence of ethnic identification and parental attachment on the body esteem of Black women who were members of a Black sorority. To date, there has been no published research examining determinants of body image in this population of Black women. The authors hypothesized that ethnic identity and attachment to mother would predict body esteem in this population. One hundred twelve women (M age 39.3) were surveyed, and hierarchical regression analysis revealed that attachment to mother was a significant predictor of body esteem, especially with regard to physical condition and weight control. The findings from the current study suggest that the mother-daughter relationship remains influential in the development of positive body esteem over the life span.

Post-Racial No More: Race, Realities, and Resources of Ethnic Minority Families

“…Sorority membership for Black women appears to be a significant component of cultural identity (Patton, Bridges, & Flowers, 2011) and a major support system (Gasman & Payton-Stewart, 2006), yet little is known about its relationship to body image. Some previous research (Baugh & Barnes, 2015) has examined body image in Black sorority women, but the literature is lacking on this group and their experiences. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to add to the literature on the body image of Black sorority women through a comparison study to nonsorority women.…”

Ethnic Identity Attachment and Motivation for Weight Loss and Exercise among Rural, Overweight, African-American Women

“…Because certain research has also indicated that ethnic identity acts as a protective factor against thin ideals, this could further compound the effect. As previously stated, African-American women tend to feel more strongly attached to their ethnic identity than women from other ethnic groups; 11,12 however, it is unclear to what degree this attachment is positively or negatively associated with motivation for engaging in a healthy lifestyle. Understanding the unique impact of identity and its relation to engagement in health behaviors is crucial in a population that experiences some of the worst health outcomes in a variety of areas, such as rates of obesity and diabetes.…”

“…For instance, African-American women tend to feel more strongly attached to their ethnic identity than European American women. 11,12 The level of identification with one's ethnicity can impact multiple facets of life, especially if one strongly identifies with their ethnicity.…”

“…15 Another study found that the higher acceptance of full-figure bodies in African-American culture can also help to lower the incidence rate of eating disorders in African-American populations. 11 Unfortunately, research suggests that strong ethnic identity can sometimes also complicate body satisfaction in minority women, due to the competing presence of majority culture's beauty ideals and ethnic beauty ideals. 16 While there are multiple factors that motivate individuals to engage in weight loss and exercise behaviors, like health promotion, appearance, and social support, many of these motivating factors appear to be affected by cultural beliefs.…”

“…13 Understanding the attachment to ethnic identity is important, because it has been associated with various constructs related to motivation for weight loss such as self-esteem, stereotypes, and body satisfaction. 5,11,14 In African-American populations in particular, attachment to ethnic identity has been tied to self-esteem, with individuals who felt a stronger tie to their ethnic identity scoring higher on measures of self-esteem. 14,15 Additionally, ties to ethnic identity have been shown to relate to whether or not an individual embraces positive or negative stereotypes about their ethnicity, with stronger attachment to ethnic identity correlated with a focus on more positive stereotypes (eg, athleticism).…”