| Disease and illness among Black women are now at epidemic levels. Obesity ranks high as a key contributor to this group's abundant health maladies. It is believed that body image perceptions of Black women related to appearance, fitness and health orientation contribute to the prevalence of obesity and other health ills. The purpose of this study was to identify body-image perceptions held by Black women related to appearance, fitness, and health orientation in order to postulate the potential influence on healthfulness. A quantitative research design and methodology was used to ascertain and measure body-image perceptions of Black women related to appearance, fitness, and health orientation. Participants' perceptions were captured through the use of the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSQR) and a demographic information questionnaire. Data were obtained from a purposive sample of 100 Black women between the ages of 18 55. Participants were recruited from two hair salons and a local church in Rochester, New York, upon responding to a posted flyer revealing information about the researcher and study. The findings of this study revealed the correlations between body image perceptions related to appearance, fitness, and health orientation, which allowed the researcher to postulate a corresponding adverse influence on healthfulness among Black women. It is hoped that these findings will universally heighten awareness of the manner in which body image perceptions potentially influence overall healthfulness of Black women. |
