International Journal of Human Ecology

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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The Effect of Ethnic Identification and Social Group Affiliation on Body Image Satisfaction among Asian-American College Students

  • Lee, Yoon-Jung (Dept. of Home Economics Education, Korea University)
  • Published : 2007.06.30
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Abstract

This study focuses on the relationship between ethnic identity of Asian-Americans and their appreciation of their ethnic body features, based on reference group theory. A convenience sample of 60 male and 52 female students from various Asian ethnicities attending a mid-western university was used for the study. A 2 (gender) by 2 (ethnic identification) by 2 (socializing group) analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on body image satisfaction as dependent variable and Body Mass Index score as a covariate was conducted. A significant main effect of ethnic identification was found, which indicates the more respondents identified with their ethnic group, the more likely they were to be satisfied with their appearance. The social group affiliation main effect was not significant. The impact of ethnic identification was significant only for those respondents who socialize more with Americans than with Asians. The results support the idea that one's ethnic group functions as a reference group, which influences body image appraisals.

Keywords

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