Eating Disorders and Body Image Across Cultures

In Aotearoa New Zealand, culturally sensitive approaches to eating disorder prevention and recovery are essential for effectively addressing the complexities of mental health in diverse communities. Cultural eating disorders, which manifest differently across various ethnic and cultural groups, demand tailored strategies that respect and incorporate traditional values, beliefs, and practices. By recognizing these differences, health […]

The influence of Western beauty standards has significantly impacted Māori and Pasifika communities in New Zealand, leading to a complex interplay of body image issues and cultural identity. As these communities navigate the pressures of conforming to predominantly Eurocentric ideals, many individuals experience what can be termed “cultural eating disorders.” These disorders reflect not only

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions influenced by various factors, including cultural norms and societal pressures. In New Zealand, the prevalence and treatment approaches for eating disorders reveal unique cultural eating disorders shaped by local values and beliefs. This contrasts with other cultures, where different societal expectations may lead to varying manifestations of these

In contemporary New Zealand, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping body image perceptions and influencing eating disorder trends among youth. The omnipresence of curated online personas often leads to unrealistic beauty standards, exacerbating issues related to body dissatisfaction. This phenomenon is particularly concerning in a multicultural society where the impact of ‘cultural eating

In New Zealand, the influence of Māori and Pasifika cultural values significantly shapes body image perceptions and the prevalence of eating disorders. Cultural eating disorders often arise when traditional beliefs about body size and health clash with Western ideals, leading to distress and unhealthy behaviors. For Māori and Pasifika communities, body image is deeply intertwined