Understanding the Influence of Motivational Readiness on the Relationship Between Body Image and Weight-Related Health Behaviors in African American Adults
Understanding the Influence of Motivational Readiness on the Relationship Between Body Image and Weight-Related Health Behaviors in African American Adults

Author: Hannah Jones

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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This study explored the associations among body image, motivational readiness, and weight-related health behaviors in African American men and women. African American adults (N=204) completed questionnaires on body image (perceived and desired), exercise and weight stages of change (SOC), physical activity (PA), and fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC). Linear regression and mediation model analyses were performed. Most (74.0%) participants were women (M age=48.1 years, SD=14.8) and obese (M BMI=31.7 kg/m2, SD=7.8). Perceived BMI was significantly associated with minutes of vigorous PA (=-0.2, t=-2.7, p=.007), moderate PA (=-0.2, t=-2.3, p=.023), total MVPA (=-0.2 t=-2.9 p=.004), and FVC (=-0.1, t=- 2.1, p=.041). While desired BMI was not found to be directly associated with PA or FVC, participants who desired to be smaller had higher levels of exercise SOC which was associated with increased minutes of vigorous PA (indirect effect=-3.8, 95% CI [-8.0, -1.0]), moderate PA (indirect effect=-3.1, 95% CI [-7.0, -0.7]), and total MVPA (indirect effect=-6.2, 95% CI [-14.0, -1.9]). Results suggest that perceived BMI, rather than desired BMI, may be a driving factor for PA or FVC in African American men and women. However, when individuals increase their exercise SOC, maintaining a healthy weight may be more important and a lower desired BMI is associated with higher levels of PA. Health promotion efforts are needed to reduce inaccurate perceptions of body size and to increase motivational readiness for exercise in order to increase PA among African American men and women.

The Relationship Between Body Images and Healthy Eating and Exercise Behaviors Among a Sample of Black Women
The Relationship Between Body Images and Healthy Eating and Exercise Behaviors Among a Sample of Black Women

Author: Kristin Joan Flynn

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13:

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Black women are at high risk for obesity and obesity-related health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Genetic predisposition and socioeconomic theories do not provide adequate explanation for why Black women are at high risk for obesity. Researchers have hypothesized that Black women's greater acceptance of a wider range of body sizes as attractive may make them less motivated to engage in weight-control. Few studies have addressed the relationship between body image and healthy eating and exercise behaviors among Black women. This is the first study known to examine these variables by using measures designed and validated among a sample of Black women. Eighty-seven Black women were recruited to participate in our survey. Hierarchical multiple and logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether body image variables predicted eating and exercise behaviors among Black women. Results suggest that obese women with greater body satisfaction were more likely to eat low fat foods and engage in regular exercise than obese women with less body satisfaction. Body image was not a predictor of healthy eating and exercise behaviors among nonobese Black women. These results challenge previous hypotheses that Black women's more positive body images place them at greater risk for obesity. Instead, this study suggests that positive body images are associated with healthy eating and exercise behaviors that reduce the risk for obesity and obesity-related diseases among Black women.

Examining the Relationships Between Health Behaviors, Body Image Perception, and Weight in Black Women
Examining the Relationships Between Health Behaviors, Body Image Perception, and Weight in Black Women

Author: Melabi Chirwa Abena Amponsah

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13:

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The purpose of this study was to assess factors relating to the obesity epidemic, including health behaviors, stages of change, locus of control, body mass index (BMI), and body image perceptions in Black women. Approximately, 80% of Black women are considered overweight or obese (CDC, 2012), factors that contribute to poor physical health (e, g., heart disease, diabetes). Utilizing the Health Beliefs Model (Strecher & Rosenstock, 1997; Hayden, 2014) as the theoretical framework, the relationships between these variables were investigated. This study consisted of 209 Black female participants (M = 31.76, SD = 12.90) who were recruited via snowball sampling. Results revealed as that body image discrepancy increased, engagement in healthy nutrition and stress management significantly decreased. Additionally, significantly more women were found to be in stage 1 (precontemplation) if their body type was smaller than their ideal body image type. More women in stage 4 (action) reported that their current body type was larger than their ideal. Finally, external locus of control was negatively correlated with engagement in various health behaviors. Several other significant correlations were found between the variables during the post hoc analyses. These results emphasize the importance of examining locus of control and body esteem as it relates to weight and engagement in healthy behaviors in Black women. Greater understanding of these concepts is crucial in the development of interventions for overweight/obese Black women that focus on reducing BMI to lessen the risks for weight-related diseases.

Weight-related Beliefs, Behaviors, and Social Networks of Obese, Young Adult African- American Women
Weight-related Beliefs, Behaviors, and Social Networks of Obese, Young Adult African- American Women

Author: Brandy Michelle Rollins

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 183

ISBN-13:

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Obesity is a public health concern that affects over 30% of Americans. Approximately 78% of African-American women are overweight/obese, as compared to 46% of Caucasian women. Obese African-American women are at higher risk for associated morbidities (e.g., hypertension, type II diabetes, select cancers, and early mortality) as compared to non-Hispanic whites. Weight gain after young adulthood (ages 20-35) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems later in life. Research that seeks to explain, predict, or control obesity among African-American women has focused on individual behavior change. Few studies have addressed the social contexts within which these behaviors occur. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the weight-related beliefs, behaviors, and social network characteristics of obese, young adult African-American women. A conceptual framework based on social support and social network theory guided the design of the study. Ten African-American women between the ages of 20 and 35, self-described as "plus-size" or "full-figured" completed initial informal conversations about weight-related issues and concerns and semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews. Five participants were randomly selected to complete social network profiles to identify potential social influences on weight-related beliefs and behaviors. Results of the initial conversations revealed approximately half of the participants were class III obesity (BMI > 40), reported overall good health, and 70% participated in physical activity at least one day a week. Semi-structured interviews results disclosed two primary reasons for unsuccessful long-term weight loss: (a) inconsistent weight loss behaviors and (b) lack of accountability. Weight-related beliefs and behaviors of study participants were similar to those reported for older adult African-American women. Similarities included (a) mixed levels of body satisfaction; (b) the belief that health is not determined by weight; (c) sedentary lifestyles and; (d) social support from family and friends impacts long-term weight loss success. The five social network profiles indicated participants' networks are small, comprised of at least two overweight/obese females, and exhibited positive social support behaviors. Social networks included positive, negative, and non-positive relationships. Social support for weight loss is shared among network members through face-to-face interactions, phone conversations, and use of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and text messaging. Future healthy weight studies would benefit from comprehensive analyses of the social networks of obese, young adult African-American women, inclusive of interviews with social network members. Culture-based healthier weight interventions that organize social support networks through social media tools are promising strategies for promoting healthy weight management among obese, young adult African-American women. The electronic version of this dissertation is accessible from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/148292

Examining the Relationship Between Competitiveness and Body Dissatisfaction in African American and Caucasian Women
Examining the Relationship Between Competitiveness and Body Dissatisfaction in African American and Caucasian Women

Author: Karen Pulliam Egan

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 99

ISBN-13: 9781303321252

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To investigate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and dieting peer competitiveness, general competitiveness, and ethnic identity among African American and Caucasian women, online survey data from 165 African American and 178 Caucasian participants were analyzed. Two measures of body dissatisfaction were used, one focusing on the size and shape of specific body parts and one broadening the definition of body dissatisfaction to include variables that have been found to be important in body image of African American women, such as skin complexion, hair texture, and body proportion. Analysis of covariance tests were conducted to assess the effect of race/ethnicity on body dissatisfaction scores while controlling for age, body mass index, household income, number of children, self-esteem, and depression. Caucasian participants had significantly higher adjusted mean scores for body dissatisfaction than African American participants on both measures (Caucasian adj M = 1.431, African American adj M = 1.065; adj M = 1.431, African American adj M = 1.00). Dieting peer competitiveness was a significant predictor of both types of body dissatisfaction for all participants (F(1, 282) = 35.846, p .01); (F(1, 277) = 67.420, p .01)). General competitiveness scores were not a significant predictor of either type of body dissatisfaction for all participants (F(1, 276) = .001, p .05); (F(1, 272) = .485, p .05)). Ethnic identity was a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction as measured by the broader construct ((F(1, 267) = 6.631, p .05); (F(1, 257) = .5.140, p .05)) but not for body dissatisfaction as defined as shape and size of particular body parts ((F(1, 261) = .443, p .05); (F(1, 256) = .002, p .05)). Racial/ethnic differences in body dissatisfaction were found among women ranging in age from 18 to 73 years old. Peer competitiveness focused on body image and eating behaviors was related to body dissatisfaction for African American and Caucasian women while general competitiveness scores were not, adding support to Social Comparison Theory. Ethnic Identity was also found to be related to a broader definition of body dissatisfaction, which included skin complexion and hair texture.

Is Thin in
Is Thin in

Author: Kenya Irene Thompson-Leonardelli

Publisher:

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13:

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Abstract: Traditionally, body image disturbance and eating disorders have been viewed as a European American female phenomenon but a growing body of evidence suggests that women of color, including African American women, may also be susceptible. The present study investigated the relationships between African and European American women's socioculturally developed attitudes about being attractive and body image, disordered eating, and overall self-esteem. The two attitudes studied were: (1) to be beautiful you must be thin and, (2) to be beautiful you must be White. The second attitude was examined specifically in the African American sample, and was measured using the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Participants, 131 African American and 165 European American female college students completed the IAT, Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Evaluation subscale, Body Shape Questionnaire-Revised, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Eating Attitudes Test, and a demographic questionnaire. Results supported the hypothesis that African American women exhibit more positive body images, less disordered eating characteristics, and higher overall self-esteem. As expected, analyses suggested that the race differences on body image, disordered eating and self-esteem were mediated by participants' beliefs that being thin is the ideal. However, the results also revealed variance in body satisfaction and disordered eating within both racial groups. Similar to European Americans, African Americans who espoused the thin ideal were more likely to be less satisfied with their bodies, to engage in disordered eating and to report lower self-esteem. Also, African Americans who showed the clearest implicit preference for European American appearance were reported greater dissatisfaction with their bodies and lower self-esteem. Finally, results only partially supported the hypothesis that greater body preoccupation would be associated with greater disordered eating and lower self-esteem in women with greater body dissatisfaction. The hypothesis was only supported with European American women when predicting self-esteem. Overall, the present study showed that similar sociocultural attitudes about beauty may affect African and European American women's body image and that the levels of body image disturbance and eating concerns in the African American community will continue to grow as these European American thin ideals flourish.