Body dissatisfaction among ethnic subgroups of Latin women: An examination of acculturative stress and ethnic identity

Abstract

This study investigated (1) ethnic group differences in body dissatisfaction (BD) among specific Latina subgroups, (2) acculturative stress as a mediator between ethnic group and BD, and (3) ethnic identification as a moderator between 3a) ethnic group and BD and 3b) acculturative stress and BD. Mexican (n = 30), Puerto Rican (n = 31), Cuban (n = 29), and non-Hispanic, White (n = 30) women in the US completed self-report questionnaires. Group comparisons indicated Mexicans reported greater BD compared to Whites, while Puerto Ricans and Cubans did not differ from Whites. A significant indirect effect indicated that acculturative stress mediated the association between ethnic group and BD. Acculturative stress predicted BD at low and average levels of ethnic identification. Additionally, there were significant differences comparing Cubans to Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, which were dependent on ethnic identification. Thus, higher ethnic identification may serve as a protective factor for Cubans. Findings support separating subgroups of Latinas and that higher ethnic identification may protect against the development of BD in Latinas experiencing acculturative stress. Assessments and interventions should address acculturative stress since higher levels were associated with higher levels of BD, and the combination of ethnic group, acculturative stress, and ethnic identification may help explain differences in BD among Latinas.