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14 - Cultural Influences on Body Image and Body Esteem

from Section 3 - Cognitive and Social Factors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 July 2020

Fanny M. Cheung
Affiliation:
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Diane F. Halpern
Affiliation:
Claremont McKenna College, California
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Summary

The influence of ethnicity and culture in body image etiology has only recently been considered. Previous accounts asserting that White women are at increased risk for body dissatisfaction and body-related pathology relative to women of color are being contested after multiple body image investigations using culturally diverse samples report similar or higher risk levels in women of color. Such findings highlight the need to reevaluate the ability of current developmental frameworks, diagnostic criteria, and psychometric tools in capturing body image experiences of ethnically diverse women. Most body image inventories were developed on White women from Westernized cultures, emphasizing weight phobia and Westernized appearance ideals. Such inventories often fail to detect body image concerns in women of color. Broadening the understanding of body image etiology to include the experiences of ethnically diverse women is crucial for accurate identification and effective treatment of body-related pathology and comorbid conditions in women of color.

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