5 June 2024 | Marzieh Abdoli, Marco Scotto Rosato, Avinash Desousa, Paolo Cotrufo
This systematic review explores how cultural differences influence body image and its associated mental health outcomes. The study analyzed 54 articles published between 1990 and 2023, highlighting the significant role of culture in shaping individuals' perceptions of their bodies. Western cultures, which emphasize thinness, contrast with non-Western ideals, while regional variations within the same culture also affect body image. Young people, especially females, are most vulnerable to body image issues, though emerging research indicates growing concerns among males. The review emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address body image-related issues, which are closely linked to mental health problems such as body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
Cultural norms and expectations significantly influence body image perceptions and mental health outcomes. The study found that body image varies across cultures, with some cultures valuing larger body sizes, such as in Pacific Island nations. In contrast, Western cultures often prioritize slimness, leading to higher levels of body dissatisfaction. The review also highlights the impact of gender, with females generally more susceptible to body image concerns than males, though male concerns are increasing. Additionally, cultural and ethnic differences affect body image perceptions, with studies showing that African American females may have a more accepting attitude towards larger body sizes compared to other groups.
The review underscores the importance of understanding cultural influences on body image to develop effective interventions. It calls for culturally sensitive approaches in mental health care, particularly for body image-related issues. The study also notes the need for more research on underrepresented regions and populations, as well as the inclusion of non-English literature and qualitative studies to better understand cultural influences on body image. Overall, the findings emphasize the complex interplay between culture, body image, and mental health, highlighting the necessity of culturally informed strategies to address these issues effectively.This systematic review explores how cultural differences influence body image and its associated mental health outcomes. The study analyzed 54 articles published between 1990 and 2023, highlighting the significant role of culture in shaping individuals' perceptions of their bodies. Western cultures, which emphasize thinness, contrast with non-Western ideals, while regional variations within the same culture also affect body image. Young people, especially females, are most vulnerable to body image issues, though emerging research indicates growing concerns among males. The review emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address body image-related issues, which are closely linked to mental health problems such as body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
Cultural norms and expectations significantly influence body image perceptions and mental health outcomes. The study found that body image varies across cultures, with some cultures valuing larger body sizes, such as in Pacific Island nations. In contrast, Western cultures often prioritize slimness, leading to higher levels of body dissatisfaction. The review also highlights the impact of gender, with females generally more susceptible to body image concerns than males, though male concerns are increasing. Additionally, cultural and ethnic differences affect body image perceptions, with studies showing that African American females may have a more accepting attitude towards larger body sizes compared to other groups.
The review underscores the importance of understanding cultural influences on body image to develop effective interventions. It calls for culturally sensitive approaches in mental health care, particularly for body image-related issues. The study also notes the need for more research on underrepresented regions and populations, as well as the inclusion of non-English literature and qualitative studies to better understand cultural influences on body image. Overall, the findings emphasize the complex interplay between culture, body image, and mental health, highlighting the necessity of culturally informed strategies to address these issues effectively.