In a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, researchers explored how body appreciation, sociocultural pressure, and internalization of thin ideals vary across different cultures. The study included participants from Western countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as China and Nigeria. The results showed that there were significant differences in body appreciation among women from different cultures, with Black Nigerian women having the highest levels of body appreciation, followed by Eastern Asian Chinese women, and White Western women reporting the lowest levels.
The researchers found that high internalization of the thin ideal and perceived pressure about appearance from family, peers, and the media were associated with lower levels of body appreciation. Internalization of the thin ideal varied by age in some cultures, with older White Western and Black Nigerian women reporting lower levels of internalization compared to younger women. However, Chinese women experienced consistent levels of thin-ideal internalization across the lifespan. Additionally, older women from all cultures reported lower perceived sociocultural pressure than younger women.
Women from different cultures also experienced varying levels of sociocultural pressure. White Western women reported more pressure from the media, while Chinese women reported the most pressure from peers. On the other hand, Black Nigerian women reported the lowest levels of sociocultural pressure overall. The authors of the study suggest that future research should include more women from older age groups to obtain a comprehensive understanding of body appreciation across the lifespan.
The authors also recommend further development of measurement tools for cross-cultural research on body image. They believe that the results of their study could be used to tailor positive body image interventions to each culture. Future research may be needed to create effective interventions for each group. Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering ethnicity and culture in understanding body appreciation and promoting positive body image.
In conclusion, the study by Hanson and colleagues sheds light on the differences and similarities in body appreciation, sociocultural pressure, and internalization of thin ideals across different cultures. The findings suggest that ethnicity and culture play a significant role in shaping women’s body image. By recognizing these differences, researchers and practitioners can develop targeted interventions to promote positive body image in diverse cultural contexts. Further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of body image across different age groups and cultures.
