title: Gender and racial/ethnic differences in body image development among college students.
abstract: In the present study we used longitudinal methods to examine body image development during the early part of college. Students (N=390; 54% female) who identified as African American (32%), Latino/a American (27%), and European American (41%) completed surveys during their first, second, and third semesters at college. There were overall gender and racial/ethnic differences in all three aspects of body image, and both stability and change in body image development. Female students' appearance evaluation became more positive, whereas male students' appearance evaluation showed no significant change. Individuals' body areas satisfaction increased over time, but remained stable when controlling for BMI. Appearance orientation did not change, and there were no racial/ethnic differences in body image development. Experiences in the college environment may play a role in these trends.
authors: Division of Social Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Abington, PA 19001, United States. mmg204@psu.edu
authors: Meghan M
authors: MM
authors: Gillen
authors: Eva S
authors: ES
authors: Lefkowitz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009511:New England; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012931:Social Environment; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult