Self-image differences as related to body image of students in a middle school.

Donna M. Anderson, Professor, Department of Economics; Karen M. Skemp, Assistant Professor, Health Education/Health Promotion Department University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI. Contact Dr Anderson; danderson3@uwlax.edu Objective: To examine whether gender and ethnic self-image differences exist among Asian and white adolescents within the context of body image. Methods: One hundred seventy-seven students in a Midwestern US middle school were surveyed on self-image. Analyzed using 2-way ANOVA by gender and race. Results: Asian students have lower self-image compared to white students, including the subcomponents of selfesteem, identity, and integrity. Conclusions: Asian students have more critical feelings about themselves, base their identities on a few sources rather than on diverse sources, and choose unrealistic standards. However, Asian girls scored better on the imageconsciousness subscale.