Comparing internalization of appearance ideals and appearance-related pressures among women from the United States, Italy, England, and Australia

Eat Weight Disord. 2019 Oct;24(5):947-951. doi: 10.1007/s40519-018-0544-8. Epub 2018 Jul 17.

Abstract

Researchers have observed variation in levels of body image disturbance and eating pathology among women from different Western countries. Examination of cross-cultural differences in the established risk factors (i.e., thin-ideal internalization, muscular-ideal internalization, and appearance pressures from family, peers, and media) for negative outcomes may help to elucidate the prominence of specific risk factors within a given Western society and guide associated interventions. Women from the United States (US), Italy, England, and Australia completed the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4). Analysis of covariance controlling for age and BMI indicated significant cross-country differences for all SATAQ-4 subscales. Results typically indicated higher levels of appearance-ideal internalization and appearance pressures in the US and lower levels in Italy; however, associated effect sizes were generally small. A medium effect of country was observed for peer-appearance pressures, which were highest in the US compared with all other countries. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired samples t tests conducted within each country identified thin-ideal internalization and media appearance pressures as the predominant risk factors for all four countries. Overall, findings suggest more cross-country similarities than differences, and highlight the importance of delivering interventions to address thin-ideal internalization and media appearance pressures among women from Western backgrounds.Level of evidence Descriptive study, Level V.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • England
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Peer Group
  • Psychometrics
  • Self Concept*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thinness / psychology*
  • United States
  • Women / psychology*
  • Young Adult