Date of Award

Fall 1990

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Program/Concentration

Psychology

Committee Director

Thomas F. Cash

Committee Member

Janis Sanchez-Hucles

Committee Member

Frederick G. Freeman

Committee Member

Louis Janda

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.P65R82

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine several facets of body image and weight-related concerns among 121 Black and White female college students. This study evaluated body-image using multiple, internally consistent, self-report measures and the use of the body-image silhouettes to assess perceptions of body fatness. Three primary domains assessed in this study were: (a) body-image attitudes, (b) body-image perceptions, and (c) eating behavior and weight concerns. As hypothesized, the Black females held more favorable body-image attitudes than Whites, on both global and weight-related body-image affect, cognitions, and behaviors. Moreover, compared with Whites, the Black women held body-size ideals that were less thin and more congruent with their current perceived size. Finally, evidence indicated that the Black women held less strict criteria for perceiving body fatness. These results are discussed in the context of cultural influences that affect the body images of Black and White women in our society.

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DOI

10.25777/x1wn-em64

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