EATING DISTURBANCES AMONG AMERICAN MINORITY-GROUPS - A REVIEW

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to review the research litera ture related to eating behaviors and disturbances among American minor ity groups. Method: A computer-based literature search was conducted t o locate articles pertaining to this topic. Results: This review indic ates that, compared to Caucasian females, eating disturbances are equa lly common among Hispanic females, more frequent among Native American s, and less frequent among Black and Asian American females. Risk fact ors for eating disorders (EDs) are greater among minority females who are younger, heavier, better educated, and more identified with White, middle-class values. Discussion: Further studies of EDs among America n minority groups are needed, especially studies that are longitudinal and developmental in nature and that focus more specifically on the e ffects of racism in the development of EDs. (C) 1996 by John Wiley & S ons, Inc.