BODY-IMAGE PERCEPTION IN FEMALE MEXICAN-AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS

This study examined the relationship of body image perception to self- esteem, physical activity involvement, and body composition among fema le Mexican-American adolescents. Subjects (N = 254) ranged in age from 13 to 15 years, mean age 14.4, and were drawn from a predominantly Me xican-American population located in the lower Rio Grande Valley regio n of Texas. Data were gathered through a self-report survey instrument consisting of body image, self-esteem, and activity involvement scale s and anthropometric measures to assess body composition. Results indi cated significant positive relationships between body image perception and self-esteem and activity involvement and a significant negative a ssociation between body image and body fat composition. Self-esteem, f ollowed by body fat composition, exerted the strongest explanatory pow er of subjects, body image scores. Findings suggest that less body ima ge distortion exists in Mexican-American adolescent females and interv entions designed to promote healthy body image emphasize esteem-buildi ng and physical activity.