Whiteness at a Cost: Psychological Strain Associated with Skin Color Ideals in Women of Color

Grounded in historical contexts of racial disparities in the U.S. and responding to a recent call for more inclusive body image research, this study examined how personal concerns about skin color dissatisfaction impact the well-being of women of color (WOC). Concerns about skin tone were measured in two ways including a novel skin color discrepancy scale (SCD) assessing their current and ideal skin tone and a skin color dissatisfaction scale (SCDS). Among WOC who participated in a Prolific survey (N = 457), 54.5% wanted to be lighter, 30.6% reported having their ideal skin tone, and 14.9% expressed a desire to be darker. This study used a quasi-experimental design with the independent variable () of Categories of Skin Tone Change (CSTC) to examine effects on four dependent variables (DVs): skin color dissatisfaction (SCDS), perceived racism (DAS-DQ), colorism (ICS), and skin bleaching behaviors (FBHS). Results showed that participants desiring lighter skin had significantly higher skin color dissatisfaction, internalized colorism, bleaching behaviors, and perceived racism compared to those satisfied with their skin tone or desiring darker skin. These results are consistent with 5 theories of colonial mentality and Social Identity Theory (SIT). Further investigation revealed that internalized colorism significantly mediated the relationship between skin color discrepancy and skin bleaching behaviors, highlighting the role of internalized prejudices in shaping harmful personal practices. These findings deepen our understanding of body image dissatisfaction and its psychological and behavioral impacts on WOC in the U.S., highlighting the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions.<p></p>