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Hammad H, Elbarazi I, Bendak M, Obaideen K, Amanatullah A, Khan BSB, Ismail L, Kieu A, Ab Khan M. Influence of Religiosity on Youths' Attitudes Towards People with Disabilities in the United Arab Emirates. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:2423-2442. [PMID: 36058952 PMCID: PMC9441192 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey investigates the influence of youths' religiosity on their attitude towards people with disabilities. The Muslim religiosity questionnaire and multidimensional attitudes scale towards persons with disabilities were used to survey 733 youths from the federal university in the United Arab Emirates. The results indicated that the youths were religious and had positive attitudes towards people with disabilities. An increase in religiosity is associated with a positive attitude towards disability, and both religiosity and total family income positively impacted the attitude towards people with disabilities. Reducing inequalities by including persons with disabilities is one of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development objectives. Policies should aim to enhance curriculum, improvise public guidelines and partner with associated faith-based leaders to build an inclusive society for people with disabilities, thus helping to achieve sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hammad
- Department of Shariah and Islamic Studies, Faculty of Law, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Malik Bendak
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Facility of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Khaled Obaideen
- Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, SEGi University, 47810, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Asma Amanatullah
- Fazaia College of Education for Women, Lahore Cantt, Sarwar Road, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bibi Sara Badshah Khan
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Ismail
- Intelligent Distributed Computing and Systems Research Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alex Kieu
- Health and Wellness Research Group, Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moien Ab Khan
- Health and Wellness Research Group, Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
- Primary Care, NHS North West London, London, TW3 3EB, UK.
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Fernandes S, Costa C, Nakamura IS, Poínhos R, Oliveira BMPM. Risk of Eating Disorders and Social Desirability among Higher Education Students: Comparison of Nutrition Students with Other Courses. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:744. [PMID: 38610165 PMCID: PMC11011845 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition to college is a period of higher risk of the development of eating disorders, with nutrition/dietetics students representing a group of particular vulnerability. Hence, it is interesting to assess eating disorders, taking into consideration potential sources of bias, including social desirability. Our aims were to compare the risk of eating disorders between students of nutrition/dietetics and those attending other courses and to study potential social desirability biases. A total of 799 higher education students (81.7% females) aged 18 to 27 years old completed a questionnaire assessing the risk of eating disorders (EAT-26) and social desirability (composite version of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale). The proportion of students with a high risk of eating disorders was higher among females (14.5% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.044). Nutrition/dietetics students did not differ from those attending other courses regarding the risk of eating disorders. The social desirability bias when assessing the risk of eating disorders was overall low (EAT-26 total score: r = -0.080, p = 0.024). Social desirability correlated negatively with the Diet (r = -0.129, p < 0.001) and Bulimia and food preoccupation subscales (r = -0.180, p < 0.001) and positively with Oral self-control (r = 0.139, p < 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Fernandes
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.C.); (I.S.N.); (R.P.)
| | - Carolina Costa
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.C.); (I.S.N.); (R.P.)
| | - Ingrid Sayumi Nakamura
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.C.); (I.S.N.); (R.P.)
| | - Rui Poínhos
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.C.); (I.S.N.); (R.P.)
| | - Bruno M. P. M. Oliveira
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.C.); (I.S.N.); (R.P.)
- Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Decision Support, Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering—Technology and Science, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Mansour L, Rothschild-Yakar L, Kurman J. Eating disorders and related psychological features among Arabs and Jews in Israel: Does culture play a moderating role? Transcult Psychiatry 2024:13634615241227342. [PMID: 38356284 DOI: 10.1177/13634615241227342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) have been documented in various cultural settings. A continuous increase in ED' rates among non-Western cultures (e.g., Arab cultures and East-Asian cultures) has been reported. We aimed to investigate the relations among culture, ED symptoms, and psychological features that are highly relevant in EDs through a cultural comparison of three groups. The groups included female university students in Israel with varying levels of exposure to Westernization: 118 Jewish students, 132 Arab students studying at a mixed university with a Jewish majority, and 111 Arab students studying at Sakhnin College, a college for Arab students only. The groups differed significantly on the Conservation Value dimension from the Short Portrait Values Questionnaire. Four psychological features were examined as predictors of ED symptoms: Interoceptive-deficits, Ineffectiveness, Asceticism, and Maturity-fear. The results revealed a comparable prevalence of self-reported ED symptoms among Arabs and Jews, with a small exception for bulimic symptoms, which were less prevalent among those in the Sakhnin group, who also scored lower on Ineffectiveness and higher on asceticism than the other groups. Testing the relations between the four psychological features and ED symptoms revealed that culture played a moderating role in predicting the strength of ineffectiveness and maturity-fear. Ineffectiveness was not a predictor among the Sakhnin group, whereas maturity-fear was not a predictor in the least conservative Jewish group. Asceticism and interoceptive-deficits predicted ED symptoms across all study groups. Our findings indicate that the problem of EDs may be similar among Arab and Jewish women in Israel. Moreover, despite some similarities in the relevance of some ED-related psychological features, other features are moderated by culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mansour
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | | | - Jenny Kurman
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
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Spivak-Lavi Z, Latzer Y, Katz R. The role of mothers' involvement in their daughters' self-esteem and dieting behaviors. Health Care Women Int 2023; 45:512-536. [PMID: 36947584 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2023.2183205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
This study presents an initial effort to develop disordered eating pathology (DEP) prevention program with an emphasis on maternal involvement. Disordered eating pathology representing a range of behaviors and attitudes, from negative body image to full-blown eating disorder. It appears mainly in adolescent females and related to psychological and familial factors, including maternal modeling of thinness. A sample of 118 Israeli girls (11-12) was divided into three groups: participants in the program in parallel with their mothers, participants without their mothers, and control. Participants completed self-report questionnaires. Groups were tested three times: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up. For those girls who participated in parallel with their mothers, higher self-esteem was associated with fewer pathological diet behaviors. Findings deepen understanding of the risk factors involved in the development of DEP. The main study contribution is the important role mothers play in preventing DEP among their daughters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Spivak-Lavi
- Department of Social Work, Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
| | - Yael Latzer
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Eating Disorders Institution, Psychiatric Division, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ruth Katz
- Department of Human Services, Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
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O'Hara L, Alajaimi B, Alshowaikh B. "I was bullied for being fat in every situation, in every outfit, at every celebration": A qualitative exploratory study on experiences of weight-based oppression in Qatar. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1015181. [PMID: 36923042 PMCID: PMC10008867 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1015181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Weight-based oppression (WBO) has been documented as a widespread phenomenon in Western countries and is associated with a range of psychological, physiological, and behavioral harms. Research on weight-based oppression is largely absent from the Arab region. Methods We conducted a qualitative exploratory study using semi-structured in-depth interviews to examine the internalized attitudes, values, and beliefs related to body weight, and experiences of external weight-based oppression of 29 staff, faculty, and students at Qatar University. Results Thematic analysis revealed six major themes on the characteristics of internalized WBO, and the nature, timing, source, extent, and impact of external WBO. WBO was regarded as so common in the Arab culture as to be normative, with damaging exposure to WBO beginning in early childhood. Conclusion WBO in the Arab region is an important and unrecognized public health issue. Programs to reduce WBO should be developed in all sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily O'Hara
- Department of Public Health, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bayan Alajaimi
- Department of Public Health, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bayan Alshowaikh
- Department of Public Health, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Papacharalampous KE, Dallas C, Dallas G. DETECTION OF EATING DISORDERS IN MALE AND FEMALE ARTISTIC GYMNASTS. SCIENCE OF GYMNASTICS JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.52165/sgj.14.3.421-433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the trend of eating disorders in competitive male and female artistic gymnasts. The study involved 23 male and 42 female gymnasts, aged 7-27, from sports clubs throughout Greece. The EAT-26 Diet Attitudes scale was used to investigate participants' eating habits. The data collection process included communication with sports organizations throughout Greece on the content and purpose of the research. After consultation, the questionnaire was due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided in an electronic form and also included the consent form for participation in the research. The results of the study indicated that eleven of the sixty-five gymnasts had a total score of >20 on the EAT-26, a rate higher among female gymnasts (~ 24%) compared to male gymnasts (~ 4.4%) (p <.05). Although female gymnasts develop more eating disorders and bulimia than male gymnasts, no significant differences were found in the subscales of the questionnaire (p > .05). Therefore, this finding in combination with the fact that most of the gymnasts were teenagers (15.23 ± 6.35 years old) requires particular importance and attention from coaches and the family environment.
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Negi S, Benau EM, Strowger M, Grammer AC, Timko CA. Internalization of Appearance Ideals and Not Religiosity Indirectly Impacts the Relationship Between Acculturation and Disordered Eating Risk in South and Southeast Asian Women Living in the United States. Front Psychol 2022; 13:843717. [PMID: 35923740 PMCID: PMC9341433 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.843717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Studies that examine disordered eating in samples of Asian individuals living in the United States frequently combine all individuals of Asian descent into a single group, which can obscure important differences between groups and their experiences of acculturation. The goal of the present study was to establish the relation of acculturation, internalization of appearance ideals, and religiosity as predicting body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in women of South and Southeast Asian (SSEA) descent. Method Women of SSEA descent (N = 112) aged 18-51 years (M = 23.10, SD = 6.4) completed a battery of questionnaires that inquire about these variables. A path analysis was conducted with acculturation serving as the independent (exogenous) variable, religiosity and internalization of the thin ideal as mediators, and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating as dependent (endogenous) variables. Results Direct paths from acculturation to both body dissatisfaction and disordered eating were not significant. Thin ideal internalization completely accounted for the path from acculturation to both endogenous variables; whereas, religiosity did not significantly account for any indirect effect. Discussion For SSEA women, internalization of appearance ideals is a potentially greater risk factor for disordered eating than acculturation or religiosity. As this was an atemporal mediation analysis, more work needs to be done exploring predictors of internalization in this population and how that may impact the development of disordered eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonakshi Negi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Erik M. Benau
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
| | - Megan Strowger
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Anne Claire Grammer
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - C. Alix Timko
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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8
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Sun G, Shah MW, Ahmad T, Khan M. Global Research Trends, Top-100 Most Cited Studies, and Network Visualization of Eating and Feeding Disorders Research From 1900-2020: A Historical Bibliometric Analysis. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/11839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Mental and Behavioural Responses to Bahá'í Fasting: Looking behind the Scenes of a Religiously Motivated Intermittent Fast Using a Mixed Methods Approach. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051038. [PMID: 35268012 PMCID: PMC8912886 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: Historically, fasting has been practiced not only for medical but also for religious reasons. Bahá’ís follow an annual religious intermittent dry fast of 19 days. We inquired into motivation behind and subjective health impacts of Bahá’í fasting. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was embedded in a clinical single arm observational study. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted before (n = 7), during (n = 8), and after fasting (n = 8). Three months after the fasting period, two focus group interviews were conducted (n = 5/n = 3). A total of 146 Bahá’í volunteers answered an online survey at five time points before, during, and after fasting. Results: Fasting was found to play a central role for the religiosity of interviewees, implying changes in daily structures, spending time alone, engaging in religious practices, and experiencing social belonging. Results show an increase in mindfulness and well-being, which were accompanied by behavioural changes and experiences of self-efficacy and inner freedom. Survey scores point to an increase in mindfulness and well-being during fasting, while stress, anxiety, and fatigue decreased. Mindfulness remained elevated even three months after the fast. Conclusion: Bahá’í fasting seems to enhance participants’ mindfulness and well-being, lowering stress levels and reducing fatigue. Some of these effects lasted more than three months after fasting.
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Lucchetti G, Koenig HG, Lucchetti ALG. Spirituality, religiousness, and mental health: A review of the current scientific evidence. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:7620-7631. [PMID: 34621814 PMCID: PMC8462234 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i26.7620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research in the field of “Spirituality and Health” has been growing, with spirituality/religiousness (S/R) being consistently related to both physical and mental health. The objective of this article is to provide an updated review of the current scientific evidence on the relationship between S/R and mental health, highlighting the most important studies. As a secondary objective, the mechanisms that explain this relationship and the interventions that utilize this information in treating mental disorders will be discussed. The findings reveal a large body of evidence across numerous psychiatric disorders. Although solid evidence is now available for depression, suicidality, and substance use, other diagnosis, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, and anxiety, have also shown promising results. The effects of S/R on mental health are likely bidirectional, and the manner in which religious beliefs are used to cope with distress (i.e. negative and positive), may affect mental health outcomes. Despite these findings, the mechanisms that explain these associations and the role of S/R interventions need further study. Concerning clinical practice, mental health providers should ask patients about S/R that are important in their lives to provide holistic and patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Lucchetti
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36030-776, Brazil
| | - Harold G Koenig
- Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States
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Hasan F, Latzer Y, Diedrichs PC, Lewis-Smith H. A qualitative exploration of motivations for fasting and the impact of Ramadan on eating behaviors and body image among young adult Muslim women in the United Kingdom. Eat Behav 2021; 42:101545. [PMID: 34343839 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2021.101545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Research exploring the impact of fasting in Ramadan on eating behaviors has focused on Muslim-majority countries and has neglected to examine impacts beyond the month when "normal" eating patterns resume. This study aimed to explore the experiences of United Kingdom-residing young adult Muslim women who were fasting in Ramadan to understand its impact on their body image and eating behaviors both during and 1-month following Ramadan. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 Muslim women aged between 18 and 35 (Mage = 27.3) at two distinct time-points: during the last week of Ramadan and 1-2 months later. The interviews explored questions related to motivations for fasting, experience of fasting in Ramadan, and eating behaviors and thoughts related to body image and appearance. Thematic Analysis revealed three themes: (1) family and community expectations to fast (2) exertion of control of on eating behaviors and (3) preoccupation with weight and appearance. The results suggest that family and community play a strong role in motivating women to fast during Ramadan, alongside the need to feel a sense of belonging to their community. This can conflict with the pressure and desire to assimilate with Western culture and associated appearance ideals, thus putting women at greater risk of disordered eating and body image concerns. These findings suggest important implications for increased support in the Muslim community, and the need for further research to explore this topic across longer time-points and in different cultural groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farheen Hasan
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
| | - Yael Latzer
- Faculty of Social Wellfair and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Eating Disorders Institution, Rambam, Health care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Helena Lewis-Smith
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
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Sahlan RN, Saunders JF, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE. Body-, eating-, and exercise-related social comparison behavior and disordered eating in college women in the U.S. and Iran: A cross-cultural comparison. Eat Behav 2021; 40:101451. [PMID: 33246301 PMCID: PMC7978496 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Wearing of the hijab is associated with lower eating disorder (ED) attitudes and behaviors in women. However, this potential buffering role of the hijab has been questioned in countries, such as Iran, where its wearing is compulsory. Further, cross-cultural comparisons between disordered eating behaviors and correlates in Iranian and U.S. women are lacking. This study examines social-cognitive correlates of disordered eating in U.S. and Iranian women, comparing rates of ED- related social comparison and eating pathology. College women in the U.S. (n = 180) and Iran (n = 384) completed the Body, Eating, and Exercise Comparison Orientation Measure (BEECOM) and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) in one session. One-way analyses of covariance and partial correlations were used to test the mean differences and inter-correlations between the variables among U.S. and Iranian women. U.S. women endorsed higher BEECOM scores and higher levels of overvaluation of weight and shape and dietary restraint compared to Iranians. Most BEECOM subscales and disordered eating symptoms were inter-correlated in each culture. The tendency to engage in exercise comparison was not significantly correlated with excessive exercise for U.S. women. Correlations between variables were stronger for U.S. women compared to Iranian women. While the ED-related social comparison levels were higher for U.S. women, the typical Western patterns of social comparison and disordered eating extend to Iranian women. Eating disorder-related social comparison is a recommended clinical target in both Eastern and Western cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza N. Sahlan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jessica F. Saunders
- Department of Psychological Science, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA, USA
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Melisse B, de Beurs E, van Furth EF. Eating disorders in the Arab world: a literature review. J Eat Disord 2020; 8:59. [PMID: 33292520 PMCID: PMC7646071 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-020-00336-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of eating disorders has been assumed to be low in the Arab world, due to the alleged absence of the thin ideal. However, the Arab world is undergoing rapid sociocultural changes, and there are reports of an increase of the desire to be thin. This literature review therefore provides point-prevalence of Arabs at high risk for eating disorders, and a comprehensive synthesis of correlates of eating disorder symptoms, eating disorder-related variables and of a high risk for eating disorders. METHOD Several electronic databases were searched for published, peer-reviewed studies between 1986 and 2019 involving several key terms. From 317 screened studies, 81, mainly cross-sectional, were included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and meta-analyses was used as guidance and the quality of studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS Estimates of individuals at high risk for eating disorders ranged from 2 to 54.8%. The eating disorder-related variables identified were desire to be thin, body dissatisfaction, disturbed-, and dieting- eating behavior. Identified correlates were increased affluence, media use, western influences, and obesity. An additional finding was that in some cases eating disorders were expressed somatically rather than psychiatrically. DISCUSSION In the Arab world, females were most at risk for eating disorders and eating disorder symptoms. Sociocultural changes gave rise to the thin ideal and the prevalence of obesity, increasing the risk for the development of eating disorder-related variables and eating disorders. The literature on eating disorders in the Arab world suffers from potential limitations due to the use of non-validated assessment tools. Further research is necessary, particularly on the development and validation of a culturally sensitive assessment tool. Improved knowledge is likely to increase the number of people seeking treatment and decrease the stigma of psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernou Melisse
- Novarum Center for Eating Disorders & Obesity, Jacob Obrechtstraat 92, 1071, KR, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Rivierduinen Eating Disorders Ursula, Sandifortdreef 19, 2333 ZZ, Leiden, Netherlands.
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, Netherlands.
| | - Edwin de Beurs
- Arkin Mental Health Institute, research department, Klaprozenweg 111, 1033 NN, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leiden University, Section Clinical Psychology, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eric F van Furth
- Rivierduinen Eating Disorders Ursula, Sandifortdreef 19, 2333 ZZ, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
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Holy anorexia: Views of femininity as a potential mediator in the association between religiosity and disordered eating. WOMENS STUDIES INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2020.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Wilhelm L, Hartmann AS, Becker JC, Kisi M, Waldorf M, Vocks S. Thin Media Images Decrease Women's Body Satisfaction: Comparisons Between Veiled Muslim Women, Christian Women and Atheist Women Regarding Trait and State Body Image. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1074. [PMID: 31133951 PMCID: PMC6524407 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in diverse populations has often found that thin media images negatively affect women’s state body image, with many women reporting lower body satisfaction after exposure to pictures of thin models than before exposure. However, there is evidence that theistic affirmations might buffer against the negative effect of media on body image. Furthermore, religiosity and the Islamic body covering are discussed as protective factors against a negative trait body image. However, there is no experimental research on veiled Muslim women’s state body image. Therefore, the current study experimentally investigated whether the body satisfaction of veiled Muslim women (n = 66) decreased after exposure to thin media images compared to pictures of furniture as a control condition. Christian women (n = 90) and atheist women (n = 74) were included as control groups, and participants were randomly assigned to the two conditions. Prior to the experimental session, participants’ trait body image was assessed using an online questionnaire comprising questions about body satisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, pressure to be thin, and physical appearance comparisons. It was found that veiled Muslim women had a more positive trait body image than did Christian women and atheist women. Accordingly, veiled Muslim women reported lower levels of thin-ideal internalization, pressure to be thin, and physical appearance comparisons than did Christian women and atheist women. The experimental findings showed that body satisfaction decreased in the experimental condition and not in the control condition, but no significant differences in pre-post changes emerged between the three groups. As the pre-post changes in body satisfaction did not differ between the three groups, veiling might not buffer against the negative effect of thin media images on state body image. Nevertheless, given the more positive trait body image of veiled Muslim women compared to Christian and atheist women, veiling might positively influence body image in the longer term. However, as additional analyses including unveiled Muslim women did not reveal differences between veiled and unveiled Muslim women, future studies should test the assumption that affiliation to Islam might be more decisive for a positive trait body image than veiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Wilhelm
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andrea S Hartmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Julia C Becker
- Department of Social Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Melahat Kisi
- Department of Islamic Theology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Manuel Waldorf
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Silja Vocks
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
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