Body image in Hispanic/Latino vs. European American adolescents: implications for treatment and prevention of obesity in underserved populations.
Hispanic/Latino (H/L) vs. European American (EA) perceptions of current and ideal body image as well as body dissatisfaction were examined in 416 adolescents aged 12-15 years. Gender, culture, and body mass index (BMI) were hypothesized to affect measures of self-perceived body image and dissatisfaction differentially. Participants completed a computerized survey with gender-specific versions of applicable test items. Overall, body dissatisfaction (BD) was higher among EAs vs. H/Ls, females vs. males, and unhealthy BMI vs. healthy BMI (p<.01). A gender x ethnicity interaction trend was also noted (p>.06), in which BD was highest among EA females, followed by H/L females, EA males, and H/L males. Results suggest that gender and cultural differences in body image among adolescents are significant. This study is an important step toward clarifying the nature of weight-related health risks facing the understudied population of Hispanic/Latino teens.
Ceballos
Natalie
N
Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA. nc18@txstate.edu
Czyzewska
Maria
M
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013781:Texas / Q000208:ethnology; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data