Acculturative and Sociocultural Influences on the Development of Eating Disorders in Asian-American Females

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to identify specific correlates of eating disorders in Asian-American females. The relationship between acculturation, endorsement of the thin beauty standard, age, and eating disorder symptoms in 31 Asian-American females who met the DSM-III-R criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia was examined. Results indicated that acculturation was not significantly correlated with either endorsement of the thin beauty standard or eating disorder symptomatology. However, endorsement of the thin beauty standard was significantly correlated with the Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory but not with the six remaining subscales. In addition, results indicated a significant negative correlation between age and the Body Dissatisfaction subscale of the EDI.