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Body Dysmorphic Disorder among Diverse Racial/Ethnic and Sexual Orientation Groups: Prevalence Estimates and Associated Factors

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Abstract

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder characterized by excessive appearance concerns. This cross-sectional study assessed an undergraduate sample of 1,041 participants from a southeastern American university to estimate an overall prevalence of BDD; investigate differences by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation; and also examine the contributions of other related constructs including appearance comparison, obligatory exercise, body image disturbance, and self-esteem. Results indicated an overall prevalence of 4.9%. Women endorsed more symptoms of BDD than men, among women Caucasians and Latinas endorsed more symptoms than African Americans, and sexual minorities endorsed more symptoms than heterosexuals. Overall, BDD symptomatology was negatively correlated with body satisfaction and self-esteem and positively correlated with appearance comparison and obligatory exercise.

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Acknowledgements

This article is dedicated to the memory of Bryan Scott Kellenberger.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA

    Michael S. Boroughs, Ross Krawczyk & J. Kevin Thompson

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  1. Michael S. Boroughs
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  2. Ross Krawczyk
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Correspondence to Michael S. Boroughs.

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Boroughs, M.S., Krawczyk, R. & Thompson, J.K. Body Dysmorphic Disorder among Diverse Racial/Ethnic and Sexual Orientation Groups: Prevalence Estimates and Associated Factors. Sex Roles 63, 725–737 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-010-9831-1

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