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Assessing body image issues and body satisfaction/dissatisfaction among Hmong American children 9-18 years of age

Urvashi Mulasi-Pokhriyal1, Chery Smith

  • 1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, 55108-6099, United States. pokhr001@umn.edu

Body Image
|September 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hmong American children often experience body dissatisfaction, preferring Western beauty standards over traditional Hmong ideals. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive body image interventions for youth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Anthropology
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Body image concerns are prevalent among adolescents.
  • Cultural factors significantly influence perceptions of body ideals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate body image issues in Hmong American children.
  • To assess the utility of self-reported measurements for body image assessment.
  • To explore influences on body image perceptions.

Main Methods:

  • Mixed-methods approach combining focus groups (n=68) and a silhouette drawing instrument with questionnaires (n=335).
  • Data collection included body image perception, self-reported measurements, and qualitative insights.

Main Results:

  • Overweight/obesity (50%) and short stature (23%) were common among Hmong American children.
  • A majority of children desired smaller body sizes than their perceived own, indicating body dissatisfaction.
  • Children's body image was influenced by parents, peers, and media, with a tendency to adopt American beauty ideals.

Conclusions:

  • Hmong American children exhibit significant body dissatisfaction and a preference for Westernized beauty standards.
  • Self-reported measurements and qualitative data reveal discrepancies in perceived vs. ideal body sizes.
  • Culturally tailored interventions are needed to address body image issues in this population.

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