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.

本研究使用焦点小组方法来检查南亚 (SA) 美国女性对饮食失调 (ED) 和身体不满的概念，以及她们对这些情况的文化影响的看法。使用定性描述方法，进行了七个焦点小组（N = 54，平均年龄 = 20.11 岁，SD = 2.52）。主题 ( n = 15) 根据修正的客观化理论框架进行组织。女性描述了与在美国生活特别相关的文化压力的经历，以及来自多个来源的体重污名，尤其是老年女性（例如，母亲、亲戚和阿姨）。参与者还经历了实现竞争身体和外观理想（“瘦”和“健康”）的压力。此外，他们报告了拥有浅色皮肤、深黑色头发、极少体毛和早婚的压力，并指出这些压力对他们的身体自尊产生了负面影响。研究结果表明，在对南美洲年轻女性的饮食病理和身体形象进行概念化时，必须考虑“传统”和文化影响因素的结合。