ETHNICITY AND BODY-IMAGE - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE-ANALYSIS

Objective: Cultural diversity in body image has been studied elsewhere . In this study, we extend previous research by inclusion of (1) multi ple ethnic groups for comparison and (2) measures for the assessment o f multiple dimensions of body image. Method: Participants were college students who self-identified as African, Asian, Caucasian, or Hispani c-American. Quantitative measures of weight-related body image and gen eral appearance body image were included. General body image was also assessed qualitatively. Results: Caucasian and Hispanic-Americans show ed more weight-related body image disturbance than African-Americans a nd Asian-Americans. African-Americans had the most positive general ap pearance body image. Ethnic groups were generally similar in their ide al body image traits but some differences occurred for the valuing of skin color and breast size. Discussion: This study highlights the impo rtance of studying multiple ethnic groups with multiple measures, rath er than simply comparing non-Caucasians to Caucasians on weight-relate d body image. (C) 1998 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.