Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0001-6947-7040
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Suzanne Mazzeo
Second Advisor
Dr. Ann Haynos
Third Advisor
Dr. An Pham
Abstract
Research supports the relation between acculturative stress and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) across racially and ethnically diverse groups of men and women. However, there is minimal research examining factors that further explain the relation between acculturative stress and DEBs. Also, this relation has not been evaluated in racially and ethnically diverse LGBT individuals. The current study aimed to address these gaps by examining the role of thin-, muscular-, and hourglass-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction as mediators of the relation between acculturative stress and disordered eating behaviors among cisgender heterosexual Black, Latine, Asian American, Multiracial men and women and LGBT men and women of color from a non-university sample (N=1,490). Path analysis evaluated the associations among acculturative stress, body image ideals, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors among each subsample. The relation between acculturative stress and disordered eating behaviors was significant in all racial and ethnic groups, with the exception of Multiracial women. Additionally, all evaluated body image ideals mediated the relation between acculturative stress and disordered eating behaviors for cisgender heterosexual Black, Asian American and Latine women. However, the full model examining body image ideals and body dissatisfaction as mediators of acculturative stress and disordered eating behaviors was not significant for any of the groups. The current study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions among identity, acculturative stress, body image, and eating behaviors among individuals with marginalized identities. Clinicians and practitioners should focus on fostering support around the acculturation process as well as positive body image.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-10-2024