Graybeal AJ, Brandner CF, Aultman R, Ojo DE, Braun-Trocchio R. Differences in Perceptual and Attitudinal Body Image Between White and African-American Adults Matched for Sex, Age, and Body Composition.
J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01799-9. [PMID:
37749440 DOI:
10.1007/s40615-023-01799-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in perceptual and attitudinal body image between White and African-American males and females matched for sex, age, BMI, and other body composition components using a combination of 3-dimensional mobile digital imaging analysis (DIA) and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS).
METHODS
One-hundred non-Hispanic White (n=50) and non-Hispanic African-American (n=50) adults (M=34, F=66) matched for sex, age, BMI, and body composition components completed this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent several anthropometric assessments, completed the MBSRQ-AS, and rated their perceived appearance, ideal appearance, and the appearance they believed a partner would find societally attractive using a state of the art mobile 3-dimensional DIA produced using broad developmental populations. Body image distortion was measured as the perceived minus actual appearance, and body image dissatisfaction was defined as the ideal appearance and appearance a partner would find attractive minus the perceived appearance.
RESULTS
Using the DIA, only African-American females demonstrated significant body image distortion (p<0.001); reporting perceived appearances significantly lower their than their actual. Further, AA females demonstrated significantly larger differences between their ideal and perceived appearance (p=0.009), perceived larger bodies as more attractive to a potential partner (p=0.009), and reported higher ratings of appearance evaluation (p=0.001) and body area satisfaction (p=0.011) compared to White females.
CONCLUSIONS
After accounting for all anthropometric determinants of body image, perceptual and attitudinal body image differs between White and African-American adults with differences supporting larger body size acceptance for African-American individuals, particularly African-American females.
Collapse