Body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and self‐esteem in African American college females

Abstract

Ninety‐five African American undergraduate females who were attending three predominately Caucasian universities were evaluated for body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness as well as on four dimensions of self‐concept (physical, social, academic, and personal competence). The participants were largely middle class, with 78% reporting parental education levels between high school to college graduation. Results indicated body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness at levels commensurate with Caucasian samples. A hierarchial multiple regression found a combination of physical self‐concept, drive for thinness, and personal competence to be highly predictive of body dissatisfaction in this sample. Using this model, an effective psychosocial prevention program that focused on reduction of risk factors (e.g., drive for thinness) and enhancement of protective factors (e.g., satisfaction with physical appearance and abilities, personal efficacy) would be advantageous. It is suggested that prevention programming with African American women occur within a cultural context that may provide further support. That is, it may be beneficial to facilitate a critical evaluation of current social mores, encourage personal value clarification, and enhance individual resilience within a context of cultural pride. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Body Dissatisfaction in College Women: Identification of Risk and Protective Factors to Guide College Counseling Practices

“…The second most powerful predictor was the risk factor Drive for Thinness, with Physical Self-concept and Drive for Thinness accounting for 52% of the variance in Body Dissatisfaction. This finding is consistent with previous research implicating endorsement of the thin ideal as a risk factor for body dissatisfaction (James et al, 2001;Phelps, Johnston, et al, 1999b) and eating-disordered behavior (Killen et al, 1994). Furthermore, the predictive power of the pursuit of the thin ideal fits theoretical models implicating the media's influence on the vulnerable female.…”

“…Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that Physical Self-concept alone accounted for 45% of the variance in Body Dissatiskction. These and previous findings suggest that Physical Self-Concept may be a strong protective factor in deterring eating-disordered behavior (James et al, 2001;Klingenspor, 1994;Phelps, Johnston, et al, 1999).…”

Disordered eating and self-objectification in college women: clarifying the roles of spirituality and purpose in life

“…The absence of results is unexpected given past research that highlighted the protective, body-affirming aspects of African-American and Latina culture (Abrams, Allen, & Gray, 1993;Lopez, Blix, & Blix, 1995;Parker et al, 1995). More recent studies have demonstrated that eating disorders are present in diverse cultural groups (James, Phelps, & Bross, 2001;Perez, Voelz, Pettit, & Joiner, 2002). The absence of a significant relationship between race and disordered eating illustrates the value of a more nuanced understanding of the role of ethnic identity in protecting against disordered eating (Shuttlesworth & Zotter, 2011).…”

Is Big Really Beautiful? Understanding Body Image Perceptions of African American Females

“…In addition, another study has suggested that AA acculturation to White culture can increase their vulnerability to White beauty norms (Abrams, Allen, & Gray, 1993). Another study found that AA women at predominately Caucasian universities reported an internalization of the dominant cultural ideal of thinness and beauty (James, Phelps, and Bross 2001;Lester and Petrie 1998).…”