Regional Differences in Physical Appearance Identity Among Young Adult Women in Thailand

Arlene G. Miller,Chang G. Park,Daravan Rongmuang,Linda L. McCreary,Colleen Corte,Beverly J. McElmurry

doi:10.1177/0193945910381762

Arlene G. Miller, Chang G. Park + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945910381762

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Abstract

Physical appearance concerns lead to serious health compromising behaviors among women in Thailand. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in physical appearance identity among young women in four regions of Thailand based on 30 physical appearance characteristics generated and validated in two previous samples of young Thai women. Using Q methodology, 200 Thai young women sorted the physical appearance characteristics in terms of importance. Across-region differences exist for the most important physical appearance characteristics. Regional differences in physical appearance identity may explain the variety of behaviors used by Thai women to enhance their physical appearance. Further research should focus on regional factors that contribute to these aspects of physical appearance becoming a dominant source of self-definition so that effective prevention strategies can be developed and targeted to women at high risk.

Highlights

IntroductionPhysical appearance concerns are prevalent among women in many countries (e.g., Demarest & Allen, 2000; Jaeger et al, 2002; Hayashi, Takimoto, Yoshita, & Yoshiike, 2006; Polivy & Herman, 2004) and can lead to negative affects (e.g., depression, low self-esteem) and health compromising behaviors (e.g., self medication including diet pills, laxatives, diuretics)
Physical appearance concerns are prevalent among women in many countries (e.g., Demarest & Allen, 2000; Jaeger et al, 2002; Hayashi, Takimoto, Yoshita, & Yoshiike, 2006; Polivy & Herman, 2004) and can lead to negative affects and health compromising behaviors
We examined the similarities and differences in the characteristics of physical appearance identity among young adult women in the Central, North, Northeast and South regions of Thailand using Q-methodology—a methodology that incorporates the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative techniques

Summary

Introduction

Physical appearance concerns are prevalent among women in many countries (e.g., Demarest & Allen, 2000; Jaeger et al, 2002; Hayashi, Takimoto, Yoshita, & Yoshiike, 2006; Polivy & Herman, 2004) and can lead to negative affects (e.g., depression, low self-esteem) and health compromising behaviors (e.g., self medication including diet pills, laxatives, diuretics). In Western cultures, physical appearance concerns in young women are tied predominantly to body weight and shape (Annis, Cash, & Hrabosky, 2004; Brown & Dittmar, 2005; Markus, Hamill, & Sentis, 1987). Ideal physical appearance among young women in Thailand is likely to encompass much more than just body weight and shape (Thianthai, 2006; 2008). In Thailand, in addition to extreme thinness, ideal physical appearance is tied to fair skin, an oval face, a high and narrow nose bridge, wide eyes, and tall stature (Hesse-Swain, 2006; Rush, 2007), though the importance of these characteristics may differ for young women in the four different regions of Thailand

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