(PS5-60) Intersectional Discrimination Experiences and Disordered Eating Behaviors and Cognitions in Latine Young Adults

Abstract Text: Latine individuals experience similar or greater disordered eating (DE) compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. They also frequently experience discrimination, which is associated with elevated levels of DE. However, little is known about how intersectional discrimination (i.e., associated with multiple intersecting identities) relates to DE in this population. Additionally, relevant factors predictive of DE, such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and body mass index (BMI), possibly moderate the association between intersectional discrimination and DE for Latine individuals. Understanding these associations can help identify groups particularly at risk for DE and shed light on health disparities.

University students (N = 255; Mean age=18.9±1.2; cisgender women=69.7%, cisgender men=24.4%, gender-diverse=6.0%; heterosexual=76.0%, bisexual=19.5%, gay/lesbian=4.5%; Mean BMI=24.0±3.9, Range BMI=15.8-34.8) completed the Intersectional Discrimination Index (InDi subscales; anticipated discrimination, day-to-day discrimination [past-year and lifetime], and major discrimination [past year and lifetime]), and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 3-factor subscales; dietary restraint, body dissatisfaction, shape/weight overvaluation). Regression analyses (with Benjamini-Hochberg corrections) examined relationships between each InDi and EDE-Q subscale to understand (1) main effects of type of intersectional discrimination on DE and (2) whether facets of identity (gender, sexual orientation, and weight status) moderated these associations.

Day-to-day past year discrimination (shape/weight overvaluation: adjusted p=.03; body dissatisfaction: adjusted p=.04) and major lifetime discrimination (shape/weight overvaluation: adjusted p=.04; body dissatisfaction: b=0.3, SE=0.1, adjusted p=.03) were significantly associated with increased shape/weight overvaluation and body dissatisfaction, after controlling for gender, sexual orientation, and BMI. InDi subscales were not significantly associated with dietary restraint (ps>.05). Anticipated, lifetime day-to-day, and past-year major discrimination were not significantly associated with any DE (ps > .05). No significant interaction effects emerged between InDi subscales and identity variables (ps>.05).

Results indicate that the temporality (i.e., past year vs. lifetime) and intensity (i.e., day-to-day and major) of intersectional discrimination experiences differentially impact Latine individuals’ perceptions of body shape/weight importance and satisfaction. Future research using ecological momentary assessment designs would allow for more nuanced exploration of how intersectional discrimination influences shape/weight overvaluation and body dissatisfaction on a day-to-day basis, helping to parse out the role of temporality and intensity in shaping DE.