Body dysmorphic symptoms: Phenomenology and ethnicity

Differences in the presentation of clinical features of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) across ethnic groups have received little investigation. The current study assessed BDD symptoms in an ethnically diverse sample of adults (n = 401) using an online survey. Participants completed self-report measures assessing BDD symptoms, body parts of concern and BDD behaviors. Compared to Caucasian participants, no significant differences were found in body parts or behaviors reported by Latino or African American participants. Significant group differences did emerge between Asian and Caucasian participants. Specifically, Asians reported more concern with straight hair and dark skin and fewer body shape concerns than Caucasians. Asians also endorsed lower rates of grooming, touching body parts, and camouflaging and higher rates of exercise compared to Caucasians. Although most clinical features of BDD appear similar across ethnic groups, results showed some differences in body parts and behaviors between Caucasians and Asian Americans with BDD symptoms.

Research highlights
► We used an internet survey to examine ethnic differences in the phenomenology of Body Dysmorphic Disorder symptoms across U.S. ethnic groups.
► The clinical features of BDD appear similar across the ethnic groups.
► Asians with BDD symptoms reported more concern with straight hair and dark skin and fewer body shape concerns than Caucasians.
► Asians with BDD symptoms endorsed lower rates of some BDD compensatory behaviors such as grooming, touching body parts, and camouflaging and higher rates of exercise compared to Caucasians.