Internalization of beauty ideals and eating pathology in Black and White women

Abstract

This literature review examines theoretical and clinical research investigating symptoms of eating pathology in Black and White women. Specifically, this review summarizes the prevalence of eating disorders, as well as research on sociocultural models of eating pathology for these populations. Internalization of both mainstream and culturally-specific beauty ideals is discussed in detail. Research comparing the sociocultural model between Black and White women, as well as qualitative research among Black women, is summarized. This review provides the rationale for utilizing culturally-specific measures of ideal body internalization and body dissatisfaction for Black women.