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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Ethnic identity and body image among black and white college females
Eboni Baugh1, Ron Mullis, Ann Mullis
1Department of Child Development and Family Relations, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA. baughe@ecu.edu
Objective:
This study examines ethnic identity and body image in black and white college females.
Participants:
Researchers surveyed 118 students at 2 universities, 1 traditionally white and 1 historically black.
Methods:
Correlations and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to investigate the relationship between race, ethnic identity, and body dissatisfaction.
Results:
There was no relationship between a woman's ethnic identity and her body dissatisfaction. Although white women scored higher on body dissatisfaction measures, women in both groups who had higher body dissatisfaction scores also choose smaller ideal body types. Results suggest that identification with an ethnic group may not shield women from being dissatisfied with their bodies.
Conclusion:
Colleges and universities should be aware that many women could experience body dissatisfaction and develop diverse programs that target women from different ethnic groups.
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