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In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

While there is extensive body image research regarding White women, more research needs to be conducted concerning Black women. Eurocentric physical characteristics define Western American beauty standards, such as a thin physique, long hair, and fair skin. Research suggests that for Black women, identifying with one's cultural ethnicity is a buffer against internalizing monolithic Eurocentric beauty ideals, specifically the thin ideal. This study aimed to substantiate that finding, and expanded upon existing research by examining whether ethnic identification also acts as a buffer for hair and skin tone satisfaction. As part of a two part study, this study conducted two focus groups to determine what beauty ideals, other than body size, were important to women of color. A separate group of participants filled out a survey assessing ethnic identification, thin ideal internalization, and hair and skin tone satisfaction. It was hypothesized that Black women with a stronger ethnic identification would be less likely to internalize the thin ideal and would experience greater hair and skin satisfaction. Results from linear regression analyses found a negative relationship between ethnic identification and thin ideal internalization and a positive relationship between ethnic identification and hair satisfaction. No relationship was found between ethnic identification and skin tone satisfaction. Due to low internalconsistency in the skin tone satisfaction measure developed for this study, future research should improve upon the current skin satisfaction survey. The findings suggest the importance of body image research examining the complex factors associated with Black women's body image.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

Research on body dissatisfaction among women, focusing on the internalization of the thin body ideal, is not typically conducted among diverse groups of women. A significant body of research has shown that White women tend to internalize a thin body ideal, but Black women may be more likely to internalize a thick or curvy body ideal. However, research on Black women's thin ideal internalization remains limited and there is little research examining Black women's internalization of thick or curvy body ideals. Compared to prior research, the current study included a diverse sample, both in regards to participants' race and the body ideals examined. First, I hypothesize that there will be a negative relationship between Black women's internalization of the thick or curvy body ideal and their level of body dissatisfaction after viewing thin models of any race. In contrast, I hypothesize there will be a positive correlation between Black women's internalization of the thin ideal and their level of body dissatisfaction after viewing the model images. In regards to White participants, I hypothesize that there will be a positive relationship between White women's internalization of the thin ideal and their level of body dissatisfaction after viewing the model images of any race. In contrast, there will be a negative correlation between White women's internalization of the thick or curvy body ideal and their level of body dissatisfaction after viewing thin models of any race. Given the lack of prior research on the internalization of the thick/curvy ideal and White women's body dissatisfaction, rather than making a specific hypothesis, this is exploratory analysis. Linear regression was conducted to test each hypothesis, and none of the relationships found weresignificant. Due to sample size and measure limitations, future research should further analyze Black women's internalization of body ideals and body dissatisfaction.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement