Body Image in Young Women: Cultural Influences Matter

A new international study led by Flinders University explores how cultural values and family dynamics influence body image and eating habits in young women across Middle-Eastern and Western societies.

Published in the journal , the study involved more than 850 women aged 18–25 from Australia and Lebanon. The research sheds light on how body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, and eating behaviors differ between these regions—and how family influence, especially that of mothers, plays a critical role in shaping these outcomes.

Body Image Study: Middle-Eastern Women Show Higher Appreciation

Contrary to common assumptions that negative body image is globally experienced in the same way, the study found that Middle-Eastern women exhibited higher levels of body appreciation despite sharing similar body dissatisfaction scores with their Western counterparts.

“This may reflect the cultural values and tight-knit family structures common in Middle-Eastern societies,” says lead author Melanie Deek, a registered psychologist and PhD candidate at Flinders University.

These cultural norms may promote self-acceptance, serving as a protective factor against negative perceptions of one’s physical appearance and disordered eating.

Mothers Play a Key Role in Shaping Body Image

The study found that mothers, more than sisters, significantly influence both positive and negative body image outcomes. While “fat talk” — conversations about weight and appearance — was more common among Middle-Eastern participants, such discussions were surprisingly associated with increased body appreciation in that group.

“This suggests a more nuanced cultural understanding, where open conversations might serve a different purpose than in Western settings,” explains Ms. Deek.

Mindful Eating Practices More Prevalent in Middle-Eastern Women

Another key finding was that Middle-Eastern women are more likely to engage in mindful eating, such as eating without distractions. These behaviors are known to improve both mental and physical health, potentially fostering a more positive perception of one’s own body.

Tailoring Interventions to Cultural Contexts

According to senior researcher Professor Ivanka Prichard, a body image expert, these findings challenge the idea that body image issues are primarily Western.

“Even as Western beauty ideals become more global, family and cultural values continue to shape how young women view themselves,” she says.

The researchers advocate for culturally sensitive interventions to address body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

The team plans to broaden their research to additional Middle-Eastern regions, particularly those less exposed to Western beauty standards, and to multicultural societies like Australia.

For more information: Deek, M. R., et al. (2025). The role of female family members in relation to body image and eating behaviour: A cross-national comparison between Western and Middle-Eastern cultures. Body Image. doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101882.