An Examination of the Influence of Ethnic Identity and Parental Attachment on the Body Esteem of Black Sorority Women

Abstract

The primary goal of the current study was to explore the influence of ethnic identification and parental attachment on the body esteem of Black women who were members of a Black sorority. To date, there has been no published research examining determinants of body image in this population of Black women. The authors hypothesized that ethnic identity and attachment to mother would predict body esteem in this population. One hundred twelve women ( M age 39.3) were surveyed, and hierarchical regression analysis revealed that attachment to mother was a significant predictor of body esteem, especially with regard to physical condition and weight control. The findings from the current study suggest that the mother-daughter relationship remains influential in the development of positive body esteem over the life span.