Abstract
The aim of the research project was to explore the association between viewing hip hop videos and a rise in body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behaviors among African American young women. The study was a mixed method qualitative and quantitative study involving 15 African American women aged 18-37 years old. The participants completed a three part instrument which included a hip hop questionnaire, the eating attitudes test (EAT), and a focus group discussion. The eating attitudes test revealed that 26.7 % of the women were in the high risk range for an eating disorder or disordered eating behaviors, 73.4% were preoccupied with a desire to be thin, and 80% reported they think about their body weight always to often. In addition, the findings suggest that there was a statistically significant association with feeling sad while watching hip hop videos and the desire to be thin (Chi-square = 23.793, p = .005) and engaging in dieting (Chi square = 25.833, p = .04). There was also a statistically significant association between watching hip hop videos and having thoughts of changing one's body (Chi-square = 33.167, p= .032). This study provides valuable knowledge to address the issues surrounding body image among African American women. Implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.