Cultural values ​​shape body image and eating habits in young women

Cultural values ​​shape body image and eating habits in young women

Body appreciation differs between Middle Eastern and Western societies, a new international study may reveal and highlight how culture and family influence body image and eating behavior in young women.

Led by Flinders University and published in the Journalbody image,The study surveyed over 850 women aged 18 to 25 in Australia and Lebanon and examined the roles mothers and sisters play in shaping body dissatisfaction, body image and eating patterns.

Lead author, registered psychologist and doctoral student Melanie Deek said the study found that while both groups of women have similar levels of body dissatisfaction compared to their Western counterparts.

Our findings have often challenged assumptions that negative body image is commonly experienced.

Middle Eastern women in particular demonstrated greater body appreciation, which may reflect cultural values ​​and close family relationships that promote self-acceptance.

This suggests that family and cultural values ​​in the Middle East may help promote a more positive view of one's body, which could serve as a potential protective factor for negative body image and disordered eating behaviors. “

Melanie Deek, senior author, registered psychologist and PhD studentfrom the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work

The study highlights the significant influence of family, particularly mothers, on both positive and negative body image outcomes.

“Mothers, more than sisters, had a consistently greater influence in shaping eating behavior and body image,” explains Ms. Deek.

"Interestingly, while women in the Middle East reported more frequent 'fat talk' discussions about weight and appearance balance in families, these conversations were associated with positive outcomes, such as increased appreciation of body image, which increased more nuanced cultural dynamics."

The study also found differences in eating behaviors, with Middle Eastern women more likely to engage in mindful eating practices, such as: B. Eating without distractions, which is linked to better mental and physical health.

“Your focus on mindful eating can contribute not only to healthier eating habits, but also to a more positive body image,” says Deek.

Senior researcher Professor Ivanka Prichard, a body image expert, says the findings challenge the assumption that body image concerns are largely Western.

“Western beauty ideals are spreading around the world, but this study shows that cultural and familial factors still play a powerful role in shaping the way young women see themselves,” says Professor Prichard.

“To effectively address body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, we need to develop culturally tailored interventions—without one-size-fits-all solutions.”

The research team plans to expand the study to include more regions of the Middle East, particularly areas less influenced by Western beauty standards, and examine how these findings translate into multicultural societies such as Australia.

“Our work highlights the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive approaches to promote positive body image and healthy eating behaviors around the world,” concludes Ms. Deek.

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