Body Image and the Asian Experience

Asians, Asian Americans, and Asian Diasporas Across the Globe

1st Edition - November 13, 2024
Authors: Hsiu-Lan Cheng, Yuying Tsong
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 9 8 0 - 9
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 8 3 1 1 - 2

Individuals of Asian descent are a demographic often overlooked in mainstream body image scholarship. Historically, body image concerns were thought to only affect white,… Read more

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Individuals of Asian descent are a demographic often overlooked in mainstream body image scholarship. Historically, body image concerns were thought to only affect white, upper-to-middle-class women in North America and Western Europe. However, empirical data accumulated in recent decades have subverted this myth. Contrary to popular belief and stereotypes that Asian Americans are a Model Minority in the United States, they experience significant body image concerns, as well as related disordered eating and mental health challenges. Asian diasporas in Western countries also face challenges similar to those faced by Asian Americans (e.g., racialized and objectified views of Asians). Asian nationals in Asia, on the other hand, are juggling between their collective and national standards of beauty/fitness and the body-image ideals propagated through commercialism and capitalization amidst the historical context of colonization and the contemporary atmosphere of globalization. Body Image and the Asian Experience: Asians, Asian Americans, and Asian Diasporas Across the Globe discusses the dearth of knowledge—and sometimes misinformation—about body image among people of Asian descent, including Asian nationals dwelling in Asia and those in the diaspora (Asian Americans, Asian immigrants in the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.).

The first section of the book reviews the applicability of existing theories in understanding the body image experiences of individuals of Asian descent and proposes a new theoretical framework that emphasizes both decolonizing and intersectional perspectives in conceptualizing Asian body image. The next section examines the current state of research on body image among Asians, Asian Americans, and Asian diasporas around the globe, including attending to some seriously neglected specific demographic and social identity groups. The last section explores mental health and psychosocial implications of body image in the aspects of mental disorders, interpersonal and social relationships, and identity development.

Body Image and the Asian Experience
Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Contributors
About the authors and contributors
About the authors
About the contributors
Foreword
Chapter 1 Body image: Past, current, and a need to focus on the Asian experience
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
A brief history of body image scholarship
The need for a book on body image and the Asian experience
Section 1: Historical and new theoretical perspectives
Section 2: Current state of body image research with Asians, Asian Americans, and the diasporas
Section 3: Implications of body image on mental health and psychosocial well-being
Conclusion
References
Section 1: Historical and new theoretical perspectives
Chapter 2 Conceptual perspectives of body image: Existing frameworks and application to the Asian experience
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Existing major perspectives of body image
Sociocultural theories of body image
Objectification theory of body image
Cognitive behavioral theory of body image
Positive psychology approach to body image
The developmental theory of embodiment
Evolutionary perspectives on body image
Application of existing major perspectives of body image to individuals of Asian descent
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3 Decolonizing the Asian body: Toward a Time-and-Culture-Centered Ecological Systems Model of Asian Body Image
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Defining colonialism
Colonialism and Asian bodies
Neocolonialism and Asian bodies
Toward decolonizing Asian bodies
Proposed integrative theoretical framework for Asian body image
Review of prior models of Asian body image
Limitations of prior models
Proposed theoretical model
Case example discussion
Conclusion
References
Section 2: Current state of body image research with Asians, Asian Americans, and the diasporas
Chapter 4 Body image assessment
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Body image assessment
Types of body image measures
Perceptual size measures and body image disturbance software
Subjective and attitudinal measures
Measures for men
Measures of social pressures on body image
Body image measures developed or adapted for use in non-U.S. contexts
Cultural issues and future directions
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5 Asian female body image research in the United States and Canada, Part I
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Studies comparing body image concerns between A/AA and other groups of females
Empirical studies from the 1990s to early 2000s
Empirical studies from early 2000s to present
Studies comparing predictors of body image between A/AA and other groups of females
Predictors from sociocultural perspectives
Predictors from feminist and social-cognitive perspectives
Predictors from cultural and ethnic/racial perspectives
Studies exploring theoretical models of body image among A/AA females without comparison with other racial groups
Sociocultural models and racial/ethnic and cultural considerations
Feminist perspectives and racial/ethnic and cultural considerations
Qualitative exploration of factors associated with body image development in A/AA females
Sociocultural, interpersonal, and personal factors
Resilient and protective factors
Discussion and conclusion
References
Chapter 6 Asian female body image research in the United States and Canada, Part II
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Studies that compare body image across Asian ethnic groups and/or with other races
Studies that focus on body image within a specific Asian ethnic group or groups
Chinese Americans
Filipino Americans
Hmong Americans
Vietnamese Americans
Korean Americans
South Asian Americans
Tamil and Chinese Canadian immigrants
Other Asian ethnicities
Discussion and conclusion
References
Chapter 7 Asian female body image research globally, Part I: Asian countries
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Cross-cultural comparisons of body image concerns
Studies reporting Asians having more body image concerns
Studies reporting no differences in body image
Studies reporting that Asians having less or different body image concerns
Comparisons of body image concerns within the Asian contexts
Studies of prevalence of body image concerns in Asia
China
Hong Kong
India
Japan
Korea
Malaysia and Singapore
Taiwan
Beyond body weight, size, and shape
Studies examining predictors of or pathways to body image
Factors from sociocultural perspectives
Predictors from feminist and social-cognitive perspectives
Qualitative explorations of body image development
Discussion and conclusion
References
Chapter 8 Asian female body image research globally, Part II—Outside of United States and Asia
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Cross-cultural comparison of body image concerns
Studies reporting Asian/Asian descent women having less body image concerns
Studies reporting no differences
Studies exploring predictors of body image concerns among Asian/Asian descent women
Social comparison and sociocultural pressures
Cultural identification
Objectification theory
Qualitative explorations of body image development
Discussions and conclusion
References
Chapter 9 Asian male body image in the United States and across the world
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Body image research on Asian/Asian American men in North America (United States and Canada)
Body and muscle-related dissatisfaction among Asian/Asian American men
Factors associated with body image and related concerns among Asian/Asian American men
Ethnic differences in Asian/Asian American body image issues: South and Southeast Asian American men
Body image research on Asian men in Asia and other Western countries
Future research directions
Practice implications
Conclusion
References
Chapter 10 LGBTQ+ Asian body image: U.S. and globally
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Background
Queer Asian men in Western countries
Minority stressors
Strength and resistance
Queer Asian women in Western countries
Minority stressors
Strength and resilience
Trans+ Asians in Western countries
Minority stressors
Transphobia
Strength and resilience
Queer and trans+ Asians in Asia
Minority stressors
Strength and resilience
Future research directions
Queer Asian men in Western countries
Queer Asian women in Western countries
Trans+ Asians in Western countries
Queer and trans+ Asians in Asia
Practice implications
Queer Asian men in Western countries
Queer Asian women in Western countries
Trans+ Asians in Western countries
Queer and trans+ Asians in Asia
Conclusion
References
Section 3: Implications of body image on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing
Chapter 11 Mental health implications: Impact of body image on disordered eating
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Prevalence of eating disturbances among AWCAN
Asians living in Western countries
Asian nationals
Are eating disturbances underestimated and/or misestimated among AWCAN?
The role of body image in eating disturbances among AWCAN
Body image as a risk factor for eating disturbance among AWCAN
Body image as a mediator between cultural risk factors and disordered eating among AWCAN
Body image as a potential moderator between cultural risk factors and disordered eating
Beyond body image in understanding eating disturbance among AWCAN
Eating disturbance as a cultural change syndrome among Asian nationals
Global impact as a macro-level cultural factor on disordered eating
Other individual vulnerability factors affected by cultural factors
General discussion
Future research suggestions
Clinical and practical implications
Conclusion
References
Chapter 12 Mental health implications: Impact of body image on mood and other disorders
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Studies examining pathways from body image to mental health outcomes
Pathways from feminist theoretical perspectives
Pathways from the perspectives of internalized oppression and colonization
Studies on body image's impact on mental health outcomes
Depression
Social anxiety
Multiple psychological outcomes
Suicidal ideation
Quality of life
Summary of studies of body image's implications on mental health
Cross-cultural comparisons of body image's impact on mental health outcomes
Studies with no differences
Studies with Asians/Asian Americans reporting more impact
Studies with Asians/Asian Americans reporting different impact
Studies with Asians/Asian Americans reporting less impact
Conclusion
References
Chapter 13 Social implications: Impact of body image on parenting, family, relationships, school, and the use of social media
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Body talk and social relationships
Studies on the impact of body image on parenting and family relationships
Studies on the impact of body image on romantic relationships
Studies on the impact of body image on peer relationships
Studies on the impact of body image on school-related issues
Studies on the impact of body image on use of social media
Conclusion
References
Chapter 14 Social implications: Impact of body image on personal and social identities
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Body image and personal identity
Body image and self-concept
Body image and self-efficacy
Body image and self-esteem
Body image and social identities
Body image and racial identity
Body image and gender identity
Body image and sexual identity
Body image and disability identity
Practice implications and future research directions
Conclusion
References
Chapter 15 Future directions for research and practice
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Theoretical development: Future directions
Body image research on individuals of Asian descent: Future directions
Body image assessment research
Research with Asian females in the United States and Canada
Research with Asian females outside of United States and Canada
Research with Asian males globally
Research with sexual and gender minority Asian individuals globally
Mental health and psychosocial implications of body image: Future directions
Implications of body image on disordered eating
Implications of body image on mood and other related disorders
Implications of body image on relationships with important others
Implications of body image on identity development
Conclusion
References
Index

Hsiu-Lan Cheng

Hsiu-Lan Cheng, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco. Her primary research interests include Asian American psychology, particularly in the areas of body image, disordered eating, racism and mental health; the multicultural contextualization of psychological concerns and help-seeking; attachment theory; and culturally-informed positive psychology. She has published prolifically in leading academic journals, including the Journal of Counseling Psychology, The Counseling Psychologist, and The American Psychologist. Her research has received both institutional and external recognition. She was awarded the Psychotherapy with Women Award from the Society for the Psychology of Women (Division 35) of the American Psychological Association for her research on body image and disordered eating issues among Asian American women. She also received the Best in Science Award from the Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17) of the American Psychological Association. Before Dr. Cheng’s academic career, she worked as a practicing psychologist at the counseling center of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, where she specialized in working with clients on concerns related to body image and disordered eating, many of whom were from Asian or Asian American backgrounds. Her career profile illustrates her passions and strengths in both research and practice. She has served as a consulting editor on the editorial boards of several academic journals of the American Psychological Association and has served on the governing boards of several divisions and divisional sections of the American Psychological Association. She is an elected fellow of the American Psychological Association, Division 17. Dr. Cheng is the Project Evaluator of a 1.5 million Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) grant award from the US Department of Education to support AAPI students’ social, emotional, academic, and career development.

Affiliations and expertise

Professor, Department of Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco, CA

Yuying Tsong

Yuying Tsong, Ph.D., is a professor of Human Services and the Associate Vice President of Student Success and Academic Support at California State University, Fullerton. Their research, scholarship, and professional activities center on Asian American psychology and mental health, body image, disordered eating, and help-seeking and healing, especially in racial/ethnic/sexual/gender/immigrants and other minoritized communities. Dr. Tsong’s backgrounds also include clinical practices at community mental health organizations in the Los Angeles metro area and at the University of California Irvine Counseling Center, with a focus on Asian American mental health, body image, and disordered eating. Dr. Tsong is recognized nationally for their scholarship and professional activities, including the Su Rosenberg Zalk Award for distinguished service to the Society for the Psychology of Women, Fellow status by American Psychological Association (APA) Division 35 Society for the Psychology of Women, Division 45 the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race, and the Asian American Psychological Association, and an APA Presidential Citation in 2023. Dr. Tsong has served on editorial boards of several academic journals as a guest editor of two special issues of the journal Women & Therapy, “Activism as the Asian American Feminist Critical Race (AsianFemCrit) Praxis” and “Trauma and Well-being among Asian American women,” on APA Board of Convention Affairs, and as President of APA Division 35 the Society for the Psychology of Women. Dr. Tsong is the Principal Investigator of two Department of Education Title V grants totaling 7 million dollars to promote access to higher education and timely graduation for underserved undergraduate students.

Affiliations and expertise

Professor, California State University Fullerton, CA

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