Although the research on disordered eating and body image dissatisfaction among European American women is burgeoning, knowledge about eating disorder (ED) symptomatology among African American women is still limited. In order to provide effective treatment and prevention programs, it is imperative to investigate risk and protective factors of ED symptomatology among diverse groups of women. Racist and sexist discrimination have been conceptualized by scholars as putative predictors of disordered eating and body image dissatisfaction, whereas positive cultural and gender identities have been postulated as potential protective factors against ED symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction among African American women. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was threefold: (1) to examine the relations between racist discrimination, sexist discrimination, ethnic identity, feminist identity, ED symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction; (2) to investigate whether discrimination predicts ED symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction; and (3) to determine whether ethnic and feminist identities moderate (i.e., buffer) the relations between the proposed predictor and criterion variables within a sample (N = 302) of university-affiliated, African American women. The primary hypotheses were as follows: (1) higher levels of discrimination would predict higher levels of ED symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction; (2) higher levels of ethnic identity and feminist identity would predict lower levels of disordered eating and body image dissatisfaction; and (3) ethnic and feminist identities would individually and collectively moderate the relations between discrimination and ED symptomatology and between discrimination and body image dissatisfaction. As expected, higher levels of ethnogender discrimination significantly predicted higher levels of ED symptomatology. Unexpectedly, higher levels of ethnogender discrimination did not predict higher levels of body image dissatisfaction. As anticipated, higher levels of ethnic identity and feminist identity significantly predicted lower levels of body image dissatisfaction. Unexpectedly, higher levels of ethnic and feminist identity did not predict lower levels of disordered eating. Finally, neither ethnic nor feminist identity was found to moderate the discrimination-ED symptomatology relation or the discrimination-body image dissatisfaction relation. Putative explanations for the aforementioned findings are offered as are implications for research, practice and prevention.

The discussion of race within body image research has for many years been a topic of empirical focus. However, remaining still is a lack of knowledge regarding the unique sociocultural factors that are involved in African American women's experience of body and the development of body dissatisfaction. Racial identity and family background may impact Black women's body attitudes. The proposed study is an exploratory investigation of body dissatisfaction in a sample of African American women college students. Specifically, the role of racial identity and the endorsement of racial socialization messages received from family will be examined. Findings will serve to increase understanding of the sociocultural underpinnings of body image among Black women. Racial identity and racial socialization will be tested as potential predictors of body dissatisfaction through hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Racial identity status will be examined as a potential mediator of racial socialization and body dissatisfaction.

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.

Fully revised to reflect the DSM-5, the second edition of The Oxford Handbook of Eating Disorders features the latest research findings, applications, and approaches to understanding eating disorders. Including foundational topics alongside practical specifics, like literature reviews and clinical applications, this handbook is essential for scientists, clinicians, and students alike.

The first of its kind, this edited volume provides in-depth, culturally sensitive material intended for addressing the unique concerns of Black women with eating disorders in addition to comprehensive discussions and treatment guidelines for this population. The contributing authors—all of whom are Black professionals providing direct care to Black women—offer a range of perspectives to help readers understand the whole experience of their Black female clients. This includes not only discussion of their clients’ physical health but also of their emotional lives and the ways in which the stresses of racism, discrimination, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences can contribute to disordered eating. Through a wealth of diverse voices and stories, chapters boldly tackle issues such as stereotypes and acculturative stress. Clinicians of any race will gain new tools for assessing, diagnosing, and treating disordered eating in Black women and will be empowered to provide better care for their clients.