Body image and self-esteem among Asian, Pacific Islander, and White college students in Hawaii and Australia

Eat Disord. 2011 Jul-Aug;19(4):355-68. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2011.584813.

Abstract

Body image and its relationship to self-esteem was examined among Asian, Pacific Islander, and White women and men from Hawaii and Australia (n = 172). Although Pacific Islander and White participants had higher body mass indices than Asians, Pacific Islanders were more satisfied than Asians with their health and more satisfied than Asians and Whites with their appearance. Thus, higher body weight and greater body satisfaction may co-occur among Pacific Islanders, whereas lower weight and lower body satisfaction may co-occur among Asians. The findings suggest different levels of risk for body image dissatisfaction, and its associated psychological consequences, across ethnic groups.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Asian People* / psychology
  • Asian People* / statistics & numerical data
  • Australia
  • Body Image*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Female
  • Hawaii
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pacific Island People* / psychology
  • Pacific Island People* / statistics & numerical data
  • Self Concept*
  • Students* / psychology
  • Students* / statistics & numerical data
  • Universities / statistics & numerical data
  • White People* / psychology
  • White People* / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult