The Relationship Between Maladaptive Eating Behaviors and Racial Identity Among African American Women in College

Abstract

Research on eating disorders has shown that European American women suffer from eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction more than African American women. However, recent meta-analyses suggest these differences may be decreasing and that some African American women may be particularly susceptible to body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms. The present study investigated the relationship between racial identity, body image, and eating behaviors among African American women in college. Participants ( n = 85, Mage = 20.44 years) completed self-report measures of body image, eating behaviors, and racial identity. Results revealed that self-hatred of African American group membership was associated with many negative psychological outcomes. Furthermore, body image dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between self-hatred and maladaptive eating behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of the risk factors that may lead to the development of eating disorder symptoms among African American women.