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PSI CHI: The International Honor Society in Psychology

The International Honor Society in Psychology

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Body Image and Eating Behaviors of African-American and Caucasian Women

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by Trista S. Baird and April M. Morrison, - Winthrop University

Category: Sensation/Perception


Body image is an influential factor in young women’s eating behavior. This study examined body image and its relationship to eating behaviors among African- American and Caucasian young adult women. The results indicate differences in women’s eating patterns are related to race and body esteem. Caucasian women were found to have lower body satisfaction than African-American women. African- American women rated their sexual attractiveness body esteem, weight concern body esteem, and physical condition body esteem higher than Caucasian women. African- American women also had a higher ideal weight. Women who rated themselves as having very unhealthy eating habits had higher ideal weight, lower body esteem about their weight, and lower body esteem about their physical condition than women with healthier reported eating habits.

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Faculty Supervisor: Merry J. Sleigh, Winthrop University

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