Body Image and the Asian Experience

Book excerpt: Body Image and the Asian Experience: Asians, Asian Americans, and Asian Diasporas Across the Globe discusses the lack of knowledge and misinformation about body image for people of Asian descent, including Asian nationals dwelling in Asia and those in the diaspora (Asian Americans, Asian immigrants in the UK, Australia, etc.). The first section reviews the past and current theories of body image, specifically for people of Asian descent. The next section presents the current research on body image an Asian Americans and Asians around the globe, including specific demographic and social identity groups. The last section examines practical implications in the aspects of mental health, interpersonal and social relationships, and identify development as informed by body image issues. - Examines body image of individuals of Asian descent from existing major theories of body image - Identifies factors critical for understanding body image issues among sexual and gender minority males of Asian descent - Reviews concerns related to body image, including mental health, relationships with others, and sense of self