Body Image and Eating Disorders Among South Asian American Women: What Are We Missing?

Abstract

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.

Not All the Same: Examining Asian American Women’s Self-Objectification Processes Using a Latent Class and Cultural-Specific Approach

“…The findings of the current study reinforce the need to examine forms of discrimination germane to AAW at the intersections of gender and race, as opposed to examining racist or sexist discrimination separately. Although our study found meaningful within-group differences among AAW based upon their self-objectification processes, future research should continue to examine how these processes may vary based upon other person-level factors, such as the hair ideal among South Asian women (Goel et al, 2021) or conflicting beauty ideals around skin tone. For example, prior research has shown that experiences of colorism can shape Black women’s assumptions of attractiveness (Davis Tribble et al, 2019).…”

“…Further, AAW may be teased for having monolid eyes or a “button” nose (Brady et al, 2017), which may motivate attempts to “fix” these self-perceived flaws with cosmetic surgery. Additionally, AAW receive messages that light, pale skin is desirable and are encouraged to use skin lightening products (Goel et al, 2021), which may be a way to demonstrate social class and status (Brady et al, 2017). It is also possible that AAW may compensate for experiences of marginalization and exclusion by pursuing Eurocentric beauty norms, such as lighter skin (Brady et al, 2017; Cheng et al, 2017).…”

“…It is also possible that AAW may compensate for experiences of marginalization and exclusion by pursuing Eurocentric beauty norms, such as lighter skin (Brady et al, 2017; Cheng et al, 2017). In another study, South Asian American women described receiving pressure to attain lighter skin in part as a means to attract, and potentially marry, other South Asian men (Goel et al, 2021). Given these physical features are not easily amenable, AAW may rely on disordered eating behaviors, such as restriction, to regain acceptance and alter aspects of their appearance they can control (Hall, 1995; Iyer & Haslam, 2003).…”

“…Prior studies suggest AAW’s appearance evaluations extend beyond that of body shape/size to include appraisals of the lightness-darkness of skin tone (Tran et al, 2017), the size and shape of their face (Kim et al, 2014), and eyes (Frederick et al, 2016). Across different ethnic subgroups, studies have suggested that AAW may view light-skin tone, dainty facial features, and large, double-lidded eyes as indicators of an attractive, youthful appearance (Brady et al, 2017; Frederick et al, 2016; Goel et al, 2021). Yet prior studies have examined these culturally salient appearance indicators in terms of global satisfaction/dissatisfaction, which obscures the underlying mechanisms that contribute to disliking particular features.…”

“…For example, South Korean women may experience consciousness about the size and shape of their face in part due to idealized beauty norms in the media that emphasize the attractiveness of one’s face rather than one’s body (Kim et al, 2014). South Asian American women have reported that light, clear skin with minimal body hair is attractive (Goel et al, 2021). Additionally, qualitative studies with AAW provide preliminary evidence for the existence of subgroups on key objectification theory outcome variables, such that some women experience either really high or low levels of body dissatisfaction or disordered eating (Brady et al, 2017; Smart & Tsong, 2014).…”