Date of Award

2-15-1999

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Counseling Psychology & Community Services

First Advisor

Cindy Juntunen-Smith

Abstract

Although cultural influences are gaining increased recognition in research in many areas, few studies have considered cultural influences on body image perception. Similarly, literature addressing the issues of American Indian women is lacking. Very little research considers the cultural influence on body image perception of American Indian women.This project considers the influences of culture as it relates to an American Indian woman's perception of her body image. Eighty-four American Indian women, enrolled as students at a small Midwestern university participated in this study to determine their body image perception according to Cash's Multidimensional Body-Self Questionnaire, and the influences of their cultural orientation on such factors.The results of this study suggest that, with this particular group of American Indian women, traditional cultural orientation had minimal significant influence on their overall body image perception. However, significant cultural influences were found on specific scales associated with the body-self questionnaire including; Body Area Satisfaction, Health Orientation, Fitness Evaluation, and Fitness Orientation.Limitations of the study and areas of future research are suggested. Implications for treatment with American Indian women are discussed.

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