Recent empirical studies have examined sociocultural factors that affec women's development of body dissatisfaction including the roles of media, peer influence, and racial/cultural standards. This study examines the influence of racial socialization, mass media, and peers in influencing African American and white women's body dissatisfaction. Specifically, focus groups are used from a sample of 25 African American and white college students between the ages of 18 and 22. This study draws on a social comparison theoretical framework which argues that individuals evaluate their self-concept based on their ideas, values, and attitudes similar to them. This study finds that African American women are vulnerable to white standards of beauty. However, they are more resilient to these standards because of how they are racially socialized. Further, white women are more susceptible to conform to normative ideals of beauty that equate beauty with thinness. .

Advertisers need to start understanding that a black model used for a white audience may not be a hindrance to their ad, but using a white model for a black audience may have a negative effect.

DIVFrom a highly respected thinker on race, gender, and American politics, a new consideration of black women and how distorted stereotypes affect their political beliefs/div

The only book currently available that focuses and multicultural, cross-cultural and international perspectives of stress and coping A very comprehensive resource book on the subject matter Contains many groundbreaking ideas and findings in stress and coping research Contributors are international scholars, both well-established authors as well as younger scholars with new ideas Appeals to managers, missionaries, and other professions which require working closely with people from other cultures

Body Image: Understanding Body Dissatisfaction in Men, Women and Children presents a review of what is presently known and the results of some new research on body image. It compares the effects of gender, sexuality, social class, age and ethnicity on satisfaction with the way we look and suggests how these differences arise. Why, for instance, are heterosexual men much happier with their body images than women or gay men? Sarah Grogan discusses the effect of media presentation of the ideal body and other cultural influences. Surprisingly, despite the almost exclusive media preference for very young female bodies, she finds that older women are not less satisfied with their bodies than younger women. Written for readers from a variety of disciplines, this clear and eclectic book will make the ideal text for students from psychology, sociology, gender and media studies.