Factors that influence body image representations of black Muslim women

Abstract

Research on the body image perceptions of black women is limited. Although previous body image studies have explored the intersection between race and gender, the influence of religion has been neglected. Guided by a grounded theory framework, the focus of this investigation, conducted in Upstate New York, USA, was to examine the role of race and religion in the body image perceptions of 22 African-American Sunni Muslim women. Analysis of individual interviews revealed that, in contrast to using standard medical guidelines, participants' views about their bodies were largely based on positive images of an earlier body size/shape, social and family expectations and contexts, cultural norms and values, and spirituality and religious beliefs. Although the body image perceptions of black Muslim women were similar to those expressed in previous body image studies with black women, participants expressed the importance of highlighting the spiritual versus physical self by adhering to religious guidelines regarding proper dress and appearance. These findings suggest that religion, race, and gender are all important factors to be considered when conducting body image studies with black women.

Psychological research with Muslim Americans in the age of Islamophobia: Trends, challenges, and recommendations.

“…Researchers may obtain consent from leaders or imams prior to distributing surveys (e.g. Haroun et al, 2011) or even ask the leaders themselves to announce the study in order to recruit respondents (e.g., Asamarai et al, 2008;Jana-Masri & Priester, 2007;Khan, 2006;Odoms-Young, 2008).…”

“You See Yourself Like in a Mirror”: The Effects of Internet-Mediated Personal Networks on Body Image and Eating Disorders

“…Rather, the way in which women engage with responses to media images seems to be mediated by their daily-life contexts and their relationships with others, such as partners, friends, and health professionals (Paquette and Raine 2004). Family expectations and other social contacts in specific communities may attenuate the effects of media pressure (Odoms-Young 2008). 3 This evidence suggests that media effects on body image and body weight can be mediated by relationships, and more generally, by an individual's immediate social surroundings.…”

Women's Body Image: Implications for Mental Health Nursing Interventions

“…The perception of self is influenced by the presence of personal attitudes and values that do not attach to other persons or objects, as well as being affected by one's reaction to social stimuli (Cash & Labarge, 1996;Schneiderman, 1956). Women receive negative messages about the shape, size, and appearance of their bodies on a daily basis (Bosson, Pinel, & Thompson, 2008;Cash, Ancis, Strachan, 1997;Dittmar, 2009;Doswell, Millor, Thompson, & Baxter, 1998;Odoms-Young, 2008). Receiving these body image messages can have a negative effect on women's ability to cope with these stimuli.…”

“…Most research has focused on Caucasian women, but there is some evidence that black women may perceive their body image differently (Odoms-Young, 2008). A particular focus of this study was to gain a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of how black women perceive their body image and how cultural, racial, and religious identities shape black women's images of their bodies.…”

“…Therefore, the study revealed that spirituality and religion may serve as a "protective" guard against a negative body image. To better guide and counsel black women regarding body image, it is important to explore the complex and deep rooted religious, cultural, social, and historical contexts through which black women develop their body image (Odoms-Young, 2008).…”