Exploring a model and moderators of disordered eating with Asian American college women.

Abstract

In the present study, the authors tested the cross-ethnic validity of several variables and paths from a model of disordered eating proposed by T. L. Tylka and L. M. Subich (2004) with 200 Asian American college women. Path analysis indicated that this model provided an excellent fit to the data after a path from internalization of the thin ideal to disordered eating was added. Ethnic identity subsequently was added to this model and was found to influence disordered eating only indirectly through its association with self-esteem. Additionally, when examined as moderators via hierarchical moderated regression, self-esteem buffered the pressure for thinness-body preoccupation relation, whereas ethnic identity intensified this relation. Neither self-esteem nor ethnic identity moderated the pressure for thinness-disordered eating relation.