Ms. Preeti Sharma
BIO
Preeti is a Ph.D. scholar in Social Psychology at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. Focusing on skin color issues, her research explores stigma, well-being, and the social-cure perspective within the framework of social psychology. She holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and her work aims to shed light on the psychological and social implications of skin color.
Presentation
Session 2D. Exploring the Relationship between Colorism and Skin-Whitening Behavior among Indian Students.
Description
The skin whitening industry in India is a significant and expanding market, despite the severe health consequences associated with skin-whitening behavior. This phenomenon can be attributed to colorism, a preference for lighter skin tones over darker ones, which serves as a major driving force behind skin whitening practices. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between colorism and skin-whitening behavior, focusing on the mediating role of anxiety and depression.
The study sample consisted of 524 Indian students who completed a colorism scale which had two subscales: Impression Formation and Attraction. They provided information on their engagement in skin whitening behavior. The results revealed a positive association between higher scores on the colorism subscales and skin whitening practices. Moreover, the study found that anxiety and depression mediate the relationship between colorism and skin-whitening behavior. This implies that anxiety and depression may serve as underlying factors that motivate individuals to pursue skin-whitening methods.
The study sample consisted of 524 Indian students who completed a colorism scale which had two subscales: Impression Formation and Attraction. They provided information on their engagement in skin whitening behavior. The results revealed a positive association between higher scores on the colorism subscales and skin whitening practices. Moreover, the study found that anxiety and depression mediate the relationship between colorism and skin-whitening behavior. This implies that anxiety and depression may serve as underlying factors that motivate individuals to pursue skin-whitening methods.