Body Image and Perceptions of Body Size Among Black and White College Women

The purpose of the present study was to examine several facets of body image and weight-related concerns among 121 Black and White female college students. This study evaluated body-image using multiple, internally consistent, self-report measures and the use of the body-image silhouettes to assess perceptions of body fatness. Three primary domains assessed in this study were: (a) body-image attitudes, (b) body-image perceptions, and (c) eating behavior and weight concerns. As hypothesized, the Black females held more favorable body-image attitudes than Whites, on both global and weight-related body-image affect, cognitions, and behaviors. Moreover, compared with Whites, the Black women held body-size ideals that were less thin and more congruent with their current perceived size. Finally, evidence indicated that the Black women held less strict criteria for perceiving body fatness. These results are discussed in the context of cultural influences that affect the body images of Black and White women in our society.