Experiences of Acculturation on Asian Immigrants' Body Image: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis
Date
2023
Authors
Zhu, Wenjuan
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Thesis
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Abstract
The present systematic review and meta-synthesis explored the acculturation experiences of various generations of Asian immigrants in English-speaking countries in relation to their body image. Data were extracted from a sample of nine qualitative studies with a sum of 281 to 293 participants (one study did not clarify the exact number of participants). The purpose of this study was to better understand Asian immigrants' body image in a multicultural environment to inform culturally sensitive treatment and intervention. Guided by the Tripartite Influence Model (TIM, Thompson et al., 1999) and the meta-ethnographic approach (Noblit & Hare, 1999), data analysis yielded three categories that impacted Asian immigrants' body image development: 1) interpersonal influences from family, peers, and media, 2) intrapersonal communications which was encompassed with two themes including thin-ideal internalisation and level of acculturation, and 3) coping strategies such as external support from loved ones, exercise and diet change, and acceptance. The findings highlight the unique role of family in shaping younger generations' body image and the constant struggles they face navigating the conflicting body ideals promoted in their native Asian culture and Western culture. Limitations of study such as the underrepresentation of Asian men and middle-aged Asian women and implications for future research are provided. Keywords: body image, acculturation, Asian immigrants, qualitative
School/Discipline
School of Psychology
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Thesis (B.PsychSc(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2023
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