Body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and self-esteem in African American college females

Ninety-five African American undergraduate females who were attending three predominately Caucasian universities were evaluated for body dissatisfacti on and drive for thinness as well as on four dimensions of self-concept (ph ysical, social, academic, and personal competence). The participants were l argely middle class, with 78% reporting parental education levels between h igh school to college graduation. Results indicated body dissatisfaction an d drive for thinness at levels commensurate with Caucasian samples. A hiera rchial multiple regression found a combination of physical self-concept, dr ive for thinness, and personal competence to be highly predictive of body d issatisfaction in this sample. Using this model, an effective psychosocial prevention program that focused on reduction of risk factors (e.g., drive f or thinness) and enhancement of protective factors (e.g,, satisfaction with physical appearance and abilities, personal efficacy) would be advantageou s. It is suggested that prevention programming with African American women occur within a cultural context that may provide further support. That is, it may be beneficial to facilitate a critical evaluation of current social mores, encourage personal value clarification, and enhance individual resil ience within a context of cultural pride. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.