Eating Disturbances in Women of Color: An Exploratory Study of Contextual Factors in the Development of Disordered Eating in Mexican American Women

Abstract

The relationship between ethnocultural identity, eating practices, and cultural expectations is complex. When there are conflicting cultural demands, eating disturbances can occur. These disturbances affect many aspects of a woman's life, including her quality of life, health, relationships, and academic/career success. Contextual variables that may influence eating disorders in women of color include (a) level of acculturation, (b) socioeconomic status (SES), (c) peer socialization, (d) family structure, and (e) immigration status. This study examined these variables in a college sample of 115 Mexican American women. Each completed a demographic questionnaire and standardized instruments to measure acculturation, eating disorder symptoms, and family issues. Multiple regression analysis indicated that family rigidity contributes to an increased susceptibility for bulimic symptoms (p < .0001). Poor peer socialization and family rigidity were related to the preoccupation with body size and slimness, thus placing young Mexican American women at greater risk for developing self-destructive eating patterns such as severe weight control and dieting behaviors (p < .0001). Implications for health, quality of life, and appropriate therapeutic care are discussed.

Mexican American women’s perspectives on a culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy guided self-help program for binge eating.

“…Their narratives of challenges and empowerment through self-help provide several implications for the refinement of the CBTgsh program as well as the prevention and intervention of eating disorders among ethnic minority women. In terms of program refinement, treatment providers may consider including optional psychoeducation or parallel intervention for family members or significant others on the risk and protective factors of disordered eating (Erwin et al, 2007; Kuba & Harris, 2001; Swanson et al, 2012), as well as the effect of social support on Mexican Americans’ treatment utilization and engagement. Second, the ethnic specific food guide could be expanded to include resources for diverse cooking preparation methods and recipes, accessibility to affordable fresh produce, and sample meal plans that are palatable and acceptable to Mexican American families.…”

Development of a Measure of “Acculturation” for Ethnic Fijians: Methodologic and Conceptual Considerations for Application to Eating Disorders Research

“…Measures assessing eating disorder risk, moreover, need to be population-specific to support validity of their findings in local social contexts (Canino & Guarnaccia, 1997; Katsching, 1983). Only a limited number of studies with a primary aim to relate cultural transition to eating disorder risk report on instrument reliability or validation with respect to their sample (e.g., Abrams, Allen, & Gray, 1993; Barry & Garner, 2001; Gowen et al, 1999; Humphrey & Ricciardelli, 2004; Iyer & Haslam, 2003; Kuba & Harris, 2001; Waller & Matoba, 1999). Moreover, relevant studies have infrequently included assessment in the local vernacular language.…”