First Advisor

Eric Rodriguez

Date of Award

Spring 6-16-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and University Honors

Department

Psychology

Language

English

Subjects

Body confidence, Social comparison, Thin-ideal, Body trends, Latinx Women, Media influence

DOI

10.15760/honors.1495

Abstract

Young Latinx women are experiencing an impasse resulting from the conflicting beauty standards of their two cultures. While women are experiencing dissatisfaction with their bodies all over the world, Latinx women are stuck not fitting their cultural or domestic standards. Previous research has found that young Latinx women, born to Mexican parents, don’t feel like they fit into either of their cultures because the ideal in the U.S. is pushing thinness while the Mexican ideal is pushing curvy yet thin. This lack of feeling as if they belong is causing a negative self-perception of themselves and causing a deep dissatisfaction with their bodies. This dissatisfaction can lead to bodily hatred, poor perception of self, low confidence, anxiety, eating disorders, and disordered eating. Through interviews, surveys, and observational studies, we find that young Latinx women are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction than their white counterparts. This literature review will look at the various contributors, cultural and environmental factors, that lead young Latinx girls to a poor perception of themselves.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42072

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