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

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