Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To examine body image in a population-based, biracial cohort.

METHOD:

Body image measures were obtained on 1,837 men (45% Black) and 1,895 women (51% Black) in the CARDIA study. Subscales of the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire (Appearance Evaluation and Appearance Orientation) and a measure of body size dissatisfaction were obtained.

RESULTS:

Blacks were more invested in appearance than Whites and women were more invested than men. Women were more dissatisfied with size and overall appearance than men, and White men were more dissatisfied with appearance than Black men. Black and White women were similarly dissatisfied with size and appearance. However, after adjustment for age, body mass index, and education, Black women were more satisfied with both dimensions than White women. Obesity was strongly associated with body dissatisfaction across all gender-ethnicity groups.

DISCUSSION:

Significant differences in body image were apparent by gender and ethnicity, and different patterns were evident depending on the dimension considered.