Stereotypes About Who is Affected by Eating Disorders Disadvantage Risk Perception for Black Girls and Women

Abstract

In three studies we examined whether four social identity characteristics (gender, race, age, and socioeconomic status) affect perceived risk of disorder development for eating and mood relevant behaviors. Women and girls are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder than men and boys. However, because the race of Black women and girls does not fit the prototypical image of a person with an eating disorder (ED), we hypothesized ED-related behaviors would be perceived as less concerning for them. Study 1 demonstrated robust stereotypes along all four identity dimensions (gender, race, age, and socioeconomic status) for perceived ED prevalence, and weaker stereotypes for depressive and anxiety disorders. In Study 2, identical ED-related behaviors were interpreted as riskier and less healthy when performed by a female or White target, relative to a male or Black target. Identity dimensions did not affect risk judgments for mood disorder behaviors. Study 3 replicated and extended these results. These findings suggest Black women and girls are at a disadvantage in the early identification of risk factors associated with ED development. This work responds to the call for culturally sensitive research on the effects of diverse identities on detecting and addressing body image problems and eating disorders.