Resistance and Empowerment against Racism’s Association with Latinx Adults’ Body Appreciation.

Authors

Julianne Powers
Thomas Le, Bryn Mawr CollegeFollow

Document Type

Article

Version

Author's Final Manuscript

Publication Title

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Research on body image and racism has largely focused on how Latinx adults’ experiences of racism are associated with negative body image outcomes. However, research has not yet examined how resistance and empowerment against racism shapes body appreciation among Latinx adults. To address these gaps, the present study examined how resistance and empowerment against racism is associated with body appreciation among Latinx adults, as well as the mediating role of ethnic identity search and commitment. An online cross-sectional survey containing the study’s measures of interest were administered to participants. The final sample consisted of 223 Latinx adults. A regression analysis controlling for age and educational attainment showed that resistance and empowerment against racism was positively associated with body appreciation. Ethnic identity search and commitment did not mediate this association. These results suggest that resistance and empowerment against racism plays a role in shaping body appreciation among Latinx adults. Practitioners and interventionists may thus consider utilizing a strengths-based approach that incorporates resistance and empowerment against racism when working with Latinx adults in relation to body image.

Citation

Powers, Julianne, and Thomas P. Le. 2025. “Resistance and Empowerment against Racism’s Association with Latinx Adults’ Body Appreciation.” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000619.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000619.