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Eating disorders and representations of the role of women in China: A qualitative study.
- Source :
- European Eating Disorders Review; Mar2020, Vol. 28 Issue 2, p211-222, 12p, 2 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Objective: This qualitative study examines the representations of young Chinese girls and women with eating disorders (EDs) about the role of women in China, because conflicting societal values for women may foster the development of EDs there. Method: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 adolescent girls or young women hospitalized for an ED and with eight of their parents. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore the data. Result: Three superordinate themes emerged from the participants' narratives: the thin ideal in Chinese society; the experience of gender‐related pressure; and independence and autonomization in a changing society. The ideal of thinness prevails, both in interpersonal relationships and in social roles. Highly codified representations persist, limiting women's opportunities. The participants and their parents show substantial ambivalence about independence; the young women have real difficulty in making decisions, thus failing to adopt roles that accord with their aspirations. Discussion Young girls' and women's representations of their gender could have implications in the development of EDs, mediated by their focus on thinness and their difficulties in constructing their identity, in developing autonomy and self‐esteem, as well as family conflict. These findings indicate that construction of femininity in China is unsettled by rapid societal changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- ATTITUDE (Psychology)
AUTONOMY (Psychology)
BODY image
CULTURE
DECISION making
EATING disorders
GROUP identity
HOSPITAL care
INTERPERSONAL relations
INTERVIEWING
PHENOMENOLOGY
RESEARCH methodology
ROLE conflict
SELF-perception
SEX distribution
SOCIAL role
PSYCHOLOGY of women
QUALITATIVE research
PARENT attitudes
PSYCHOLOGICAL factors
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10724133
- Volume :
- 28
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- European Eating Disorders Review
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 141526942
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2717