Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 18-20).vii, 20 leaves, bound col. ill. 29 cmIntroduction: Body dissatisfaction (BD), a robust risk factor for eating disorders, is occurring at younger rages and among a wider range of socioeconomic and cultural groups. Objectives: To describe body ideals and prevalence of body dissatisfaction among an ethnically diverse population of male and female students. Method: An anonymous cross-sectional survey including biographical information and the figure drawing screen was distributed to 71h through 121h grade students. Results: Of the 1330 completed surveys, 19% of students were significantly dissatisfied with their bodies. Males were at greater risk than females for total BD (25.8% vs. 13.3%; p<O.OOOI) and for BD in the direction of wanting to be larger (1 1.3% vs. 2.3%; p<O.OOOI). Males and females were at similar risk for BD in the direction of wanting to be thinner (14.6% vs. 11.6%; p=O.II). Prevalence of BD in the direction of wanting to be thinner was statistically different among ethnic groups. There were no significant differences in BD based on grade level or SES. Conclusions: BD is common among male and female adolescents, with certain ethnic groups being at higher risk. Studies to illustrate risk and protective factors among different groups may help tailor prevention strategies. Further research is also needed to better understand the mechanisms for and potential outcomes of the bidirectional BD seen in males
