Body Image and Ethnicity: Black Women

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Body Ideals in Black Women

• Variety of appearance-related and non-appearance-related attributes

• Larger and more moderate ideal body size; “thick” but not “fat”

• Overweight females see themselves as sexy and attractive

• Less prejudice against more acceptance toward overweight females

  • lower body dissatisfaction

Body Image Satisfaction in Black Women

• More satisfaction with current body/body areas

• Less likely to perceive themselves as overweight

• Self-perception closer to ideal

• But body image dissatisfaction DOES exist

Body Image Satisfaction in Black Women

Kelch-Oliver & Ancis (2011)

METHODS:

• Reject White ideal

• Pressure to achieve standards of beauty different from mainstream?

• Major themes regarding “Black Ideal”

RESULTS:

1. Standards of beauty within Black culture

2. Interpersonal influences on body image and beauty ideal

3. External influences on body image and beauty ideal

4. Black identity and self-affirmation

5. Beauty reflective of internal attributes/strengths

6. Journey towards self-acceptance

Factors Influencing Black Women’s Body Images

• BMI

  • Average BMI is higher yet more satisfied

  • Higher BMI associated with both body dissatisfaction and satisfaction

• Males’ Preferences

  • Black males prefer larger females

• Mothers

  • Less critical of heavy daughters

  • Perceive their daughters to be ideal size

• Peers

  • Supportive, positive relationships, complimenting each other

  • Value creating unique, individual style