Effect of western culture on women's attitudes to eating and perceptions of body shape

Objective: The current study investigated the effect of culture on two fact ors implicated in the development of eating disorders, negative attitudes t oward eating and dissatisfaction with body shape. Method: Hong Kong-born an d Australian-born women from two Australian universities were surveyed usin g the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Figure Rating Scale (FRS). Result s: Results showed no difference between the groups in eating attitudes, but significant differences in body shape perceptions, with the Australian-bor n reporting greater dissatisfaction. Hong Kong-born subjects were separated into two groups based on their level of Chinese identity (Western accultur ized and traditional). Their EAT and FRS scores were compared to the Austra lian-born, with Western acculturized Hong Kong-born subjects reporting sign ificantly lower EAT and FRS scores than the Australian-born, whereas the mo re traditional Hong Kong-born subjects reported equivalent scores. Discussi on: Main implications center around the need for a cross-culturally sensiti ve definition of eating disorders, the effect of level of ethnic identity o n eating attitudes and body image, and the importance of developing cultura lly appropriate measures. (C) 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.