Dissertation
An investigation of body composition, eating and weight concerns, and motivations for weight control behavior among South Asian and European-American young adult women
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001085
Abstract
This is the first study conducted in the United States examining psychological factors associated with eating and weight between South Asian and European-American women while taking into account physiological differences. The current study examined differences between 58 South Asian and 60 European-American women in body composition, eating and weight concerns, and motivation for weight control behavior. Additionally, accuracy in perceived weight associated with overweight and obesity according to ethnic-specific BMI criteria was assessed. The role of cultural conflict among South Asians was also examined in regard to eating and weight concerns. Results indicated that South Asian women had similar body fat percentage, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios at significantly lower BMIs. South Asian and European-American women accurately assessed what weight for their height would correspond to overweight and obesity according to ethnic-specific adjusted BMI criteria. South Asian women were similar to their European-American counterparts in their eating and weight concerns and motivations for weight control behavior even when controlling for BMI. However, an interaction effect was found such that the Thin Ideal Internalization measure was only associated with compensatory behavior use among European American women and not South Asian women. Lastly, South Asian women who endorsed compensatory behavior use were significantly more likely to report experiencing greater cultural conflict. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- An investigation of body composition, eating and weight concerns, and motivations for weight control behavior among South Asian and European-American young adult women
- Creators
- Sapna D. Doshi
- Contributors
- Michael R. Lowe (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 93 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991018528611904721