Date of Graduation

Fall 12-12-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

First Advisor

Michelle Montagno, PhD

Second Advisor

Zena Mello, PhD

Third Advisor

Juliana Karras, PhD

Abstract

The majority of research on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors focuses predominantly on the experiences of white women, neglecting the significant impact of acculturative stress on these issues, especially among understudied groups like Latina women. The present study seeks to address the gap in the literature by obtaining data that explores the extent to which acculturative stress, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behavior have a relationships. Additionally, it investigates the roles of cultural values and ethnic identification in protecting against body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior within this population. To determine whether acculturative stress is predictive of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior, single variable linear regression analyses were conducted. Multivariable linear regression analyses were also conducted to further understand how components of ethnic identity (i.e., ethnic identity exploration and commitment), along with acculturation, influence body image and disordered eating behavior, and whether these relationships are moderated by the level of acculturation. Results revealed that acculturative stress is predictive of both body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior among Latina women in the United States. Higher levels of commitment to ethnic identity were found to be significantly associated with a decrease in disordered eating behaviors. The relationship between ethnic identity exploration and disordered eating behaviors was found to be moderated by acculturation. As acculturation increased, the positive association between ethnic identity exploration and disordered eating behaviors weakened. The relationship between ethnic identity commitment and disordered eating behaviors was also moderated by acculturation. As acculturation increased, the negative association between ethnic identity commitment and disordered eating behaviors strengthened. Clinical implications for treatment considerations are discussed, and further research recommendations are identified.

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