Anorexia nervosa in early adolescence in Sri Lanka

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

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.

Thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction in Sri Lankan adolescents

In this study, a survey of Sri Lankan adolescents explored relationships between thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction-issues that have received greater research attention in East Asia and the West. Girls scored lower in thin-ideal internalization and awareness and higher in self-esteem compared to boys; however, unlike in previous studies, body dissatisfaction did not differ significantly by gender. Hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses revealed that self-esteem moderated the relationship between thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction among girls, but this was not observed for boys. Self-esteem as a protective factor against body dissatisfaction among Sri Lankan female adolescents was confirmed.