Racial teasing and body dysmorphic disorder symptoms – A cross-sectional study of Asian ethnic groups in Singapore

ABSTRACT Preliminary evidence suggests that racial teasing can adversely affect the body image of ethnic minority groups. This study investigated the frequency of racial teasing across ethnic groups, related distress and skin colour dissatisfaction, and examined whether racial teasing predicts body dysmorphic disorder symptoms. A cross-sectional web-based survey was completed by 287 participants, identified as Chinese, Malay or Indian in Singapore (Mage = 23.05, SDage = 4.63). Ethnic minority participants reported higher frequency, distress and skin colour dissatisfaction than Chinese individuals. Past distress due to skin colour teasing predicted skin colour dissatisfaction. Lastly, racial teasing predicted body dysmorphic symptoms over and above control variables. Racial teasing appears to be a significant source of appearance concerns that should not be overlooked.