Body Image and Eating Disorders Among South Asian American Women

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Bibliographic Data

ID4660979
AuthorsNeha J Goel (0000-0002-8191-3359, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA, corresponding author), Brogan Thomas (Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA), Rachel L Boutté (Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA), C Blair Burnette (0000-0001-6136-6661, Virginia Commonwealth University), Brahmpreet Kaur (0000-0003-0336-5286, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA), Suzanne E Mazzeo (0000-0003-0682-9891, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA)
Year2021
Volume31
Issue13
Pages2512-2527
Publication date2021-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/10497323211036896
PMID34382899
OpenAlexW3188547486
LanguageEN
Citations received14
References cited53

This study used focus group methodology to examine South Asian (SA) American women's conceptualizations of eating disorders (EDs) and body dissatisfaction, and their perspectives regarding cultural influences on these conditions. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, seven focus groups were conducted ( N = 54, mean age = 20.11 years, SD = 2.52). Themes ( n = 15) were organized according to the amended objectification theory framework. Women described experiences of cultural stressors specifically related to living in the United States, and weight stigma from multiple sources, especially older women (e.g., mothers, relatives, and aunties ). Participants also experienced pressures to achieve competing body and appearance ideals ("thin" and "healthy"). In addition, they reported pressures to possess light skin, dark black hair, minimal body hair, and marry young, and noted these pressures negatively impacted their body esteem. Findings indicate that a combination of "traditional" and culturally-influenced factors are important to consider when conceptualizing eating pathology and body image in young SA American women

Asian americans · Developmental psychology · Eating disorders · Ethnic group · Focus group · Objectification · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Sociology · Clinical Psychology · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Medicine · Obesity and Health Practices · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology

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