Body Image Discrepancy: The Role of Culture as a Moderator
Date
2016
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Haverford College. Department of Psychology
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Thesis
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Award
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eng
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Abstract
Prior research has shown associations between body image discrepancies and negative outcomes, including: disordered eating behaviors, negative affect, increased depression, increased social and appearance anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and decreased overall well-being. These associations have been found across many ethnic groups, however few studies have examined the effect of culture on the relationship between body image discrepancies and negative outcomes. The current study seeks to examine whether cultural variables (e.g. independent self-construal, interdependent self-construal, Individualism, Collectivism) moderate the established relationship between discrepancy and outcomes. The sample consisted of Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans and European Americans. Hypotheses included: main effects for all discrepancies on negative outcomes; moderating effects of collectivism and interdependence for the actual – societal ideal and actual – societal ought discrepancies; and moderating effects of individualism and independence for the actual – personal ideal and actual – personal ought discrepancies. Results only partially supported the hypotheses with significant main effects being reported for only 11 of the possible 32 body image discrepancy models. Additionally, individualism served as a significant moderator only in four discrepancy models, while collectivism showed a pattern of null associations, but served as a protective factor against negative outcome in one model. Overall, the current study indicates culture may have differential effects based on ethnic group, but future studies should address the influence more fully.