Do Cuban American women suffer from eating disorders? Effects of media exposure and acculturation

This study examined the dual roles of continued close ties with the Cuban c ommunity and culture of origin as well as influences of print and broadcast media in the development of attitudes toward body type and propensity towa rd eating disorders among young Cuban American women. Continued exclusive o r primary use of Spanish language in the home as well as frequent consumpti on of Cuban meals were associated with lower (less problematic) scores on t he Eating Attitudes Test (EAT). Regular attendance at parties and social fu nctions attended primarily by Cubans did not appear related to lower scores on the EAT. Unlike some previous studies, no relationship was found betwee n levels of media exposure and propensity toward eating disorders as measur ed by the EAT.