In addition to common factors that influence the development of disordered eating and body image problems, such as depression, perfectionism, and power issues, when considering women of color there are additional themes. Acculturation appears to be one issue that impacts the degree of risk young women of color face. Acculturation refers to the process one ethnic group goes through in adopting the social patterns and cultural traits of another group. Women and girls who feel great pressure to conform to White, middle class standards of beauty show increased rates of developing eating disorders. This is particularly the case when the young woman of color is living in an environment where her traditional cultural values are degraded by the dominant cultural group.
Combined oppression is another factor that adds to the complexity of disordered eating behaviors.
Even when raised in an environment where thinness was not considered a criterion for beauty, body image concerns and eating disorders may develop. This factor is applicable to White women and women of color. This shifts the focus of body image problems away from a drive for thinness to a consideration of coping strategies some women develop in the face of trauma. Racism is an additional factor faced by women of color. Consideration of the stressors faced by all women with eating disorders and body image concerns will facilitate a non-stereotypic understanding of these very difficult issues.