Real Women Have Curves

Abstract

Contextualizing Latina girls' body image development requires an appreciation of mainstream body ideals, Latino/a cultural values, and the process by which Latina girls traverse the borders between them. The current study examines how media use and acculturation act across adolescence to shape the development of body image among Latina girls. Eighty-one Latina girls (ages 11 to 17) reported on their body satisfaction, acculturation, and use of mainstream, Black-oriented, and Spanish-language television. Fifty-two of these girls participated in a longitudinal follow-up 2 years later. Frequent viewing of mainstream television was associated with decreases in body image across adolescence. Frequent viewing of Black-oriented television was associated with greater body satisfaction, specifically among more acculturated girls. Illustrative quotes from a subset of participants are included.