Internalization of Western Ideals on Appearance and Self-Esteem in Jamaican Undergraduate Students

Beauty ideals in the Caribbean are shifting with increased exposure to Western and European standards of appearance. Previous research has shown a consistent link between internalization of Western beauty ideals and depressive symptoms and other forms of psychological disturbance among diverse populations including Caribbeans. We examined the association between internalization of Western beauty ideals and depressive symptoms as well as the potential mediating role of self-esteem on this relation in N = 222 students (155 females, 79 males) attending a tertiary institution in Kingston, Jamaica. Internalization of Western ideals was inversely associated with self-esteem (r =- .35, p < .01) and positively associated with depressive symptoms (r =.13, p < .05). In a model adjusted for age and sex, results revealed a significant indirect effect of internalization of Western ideals of appearance on depressive symptoms via self-esteem (estimate= .21, SE = .05, 95% confidence interval [.13, .32]). The potent effects of culture must be better understood as intercontinental travel becomes less important as a mechanism for cultural exposure and exchange, and there is a significant increase of digital and internet access in the Caribbean. The current study suggest that Caribbeans are at significant risk for internalizing Western ideals of beauty, subsequently diminishing their self-esteem, and ultimately increasing depression symptomatology. The benefits and consequences of cultural exchange should continue to be a topic for research studies.