A Correlational Study Examining the Relationship Between the Eurocentric, Westernized Beauty Standards and the Rejection-identification Model

Abstract

The Rejection-identification Model proposes that among racial minority groups, perceptions of rejection from the dominant majority group are associated with minority group identification. Building upon previous research of rejection, the current study connects Eurocentric, Westernized beauty standards and the rejection-identification model (RIM). It is expected that those who perceive themselves as fitting the Westernized beauty standard will perceive less stigma and less in-group identification compared to those who do not fit the Westernized beauty standards. To examine this, female participants (that fit and do not fit the Westernized beauty standard) completed demographic questions along with questions related to rejection and identification. No statistically significant associations were found among these groups, however, some patterns were in the expected direction. Implications for research on the rejection-identification model are discussed.