Comparisons of body image dimensions by race/ethnicity and gender in a university population

Objective: We examined affective and cognitive components of body image rel ated to physical appearance, weight, and health among 120 university men an d women of three racial/ethnic groups: African American, European American, and Latino/a American. Method: Participants completed a Background Informa tion Sheet, the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) the Body-Esteem Scale (BES) with additional items, and the Balanced Invento ry of Desirable Responding (BIDR). We tested for effects of race/ethnicity and gender on the body image measures while controlling for age, body size, social desirability, and socioeconomic status (SES). Results: African Amer icans reported greatest body satisfaction and least overestimation of weigh t. Latino/a Americans were equal to or higher than European Americans on al l indices. Gender differences occurred on global body image, weight concern s, fitness, and health. There were no Gender x Race/Ethnicity interactions. Discussion: This pattern of racial/ethnic and gender differences shows a n eed for exploring a wider range of culturally relevant body image dimension s. (C) 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.