Eating Disorders and Multicultural Issues
Over the past few years, there has been increasing evidence of disordered eating occurring among multicultural populations. Dieting associated with weight dissatisfaction, perceived overweight and poor body image was found in all ethnic groups ( Story et al, 1997). Exact statistics on the prevalence of eating disorders among women of color are unavailable, largely due to the previously held bias that eating disorders affected only Caucasian women.
Just as eating disorders have varying etiologies in Caucasian women, the same applies for women of color. The current theories regarding the development of disordered eating include sociocultural, environmental, and genetic factors which are also applicable to women in multicultural populations.
Research results on eating disorders in diverse populations.
Recent research has shown that body dissatisfaction is increasing among Asians and Asian Americans due to greater exposure to Western media and beauty ideals (Hall, 1995). One study revealed that Japanese Americans wanted to be taller, weigh less and have slimmer hips and waists which is the Western beauty ideal. Another study found more disturbed eating behaviors and attitudes among Asians living abroad than those living in their native countries (Waller & Matoba).
African American females may be especially vulnerable to developing eating disorders with binge eating features (Striegel-Moore, 2000).
African American girls ages 11-14 consistently scored higher than white girls of the same age on all Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) scales measuring features commonly associated with eating disorders except for body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness (Striegel-Moore et al, 2000).
Among the leanest 25% of 6th and 7th grade girls, Hispanics and Asians reported significantly more body dissatisfaction than did white girls (Robinson et al, 1996).
Numerous studies of various Native American populations have shown a high incidence of disordered eating symptoms among adolescents (Story, 1997).
One study of adolescents belonging to the Chippewa tribe and living on a reservation in Michigan found that 75% were using at least one pathogenic weight control method (Rosen et al, 1997).
Research strongly suggests that multicultural populations are at significant risk for developing eating disorders and disturbed eating. However, without sufficient research on body image, eating attitudes, eating disorders and the influence of media exposure in multicultural populations, minority men and women with eating disorders may be misdiagnosed or may not get the proper medical and psychological care needed.
National Eating Disorders Association www.NationalEatingDisorders.org 1-800-931-2237
