Conspiracy of silence: cultural conflict as a risk factor for the development of eating disorders among second-generation Canadian South Asian women

ABSTRACT

This phenomenological study examines second-generation Canadian South Asian women’s experiences of an eating disorder, and explores issues of culture conflict in relation to mental health tensions and body/self-concept distortions. Eight second-generation South Asian women who have sought help for an eating disorder participated in semi-structured interviews. Using feminist and transcultural theories, our analyses suggest that body image distortions stem from myriad pressures women face in relation to others in their lives. In constant attempt to follow familial and cultural expectations, these women felt a disconnection and alienation linking to mental pressure, which may be a factor in the development of self-dissatisfaction and ultimately eating disorders for this group. This research elevates awareness of eating disorders within the South Asian community as a way to break the ‘conspiracy of silence’ that surrounds this growing health concern.

KEYWORDS:

• Eating disorders
• South Asian women
• culture conflict
• risk factors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Nida Mustafa is a PhD student at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Canada. She has completed an Honours Bachelor of Life Sciences specializing in Psychology from the University of Toronto, and a Masters degree in Health Sciences focusing on women’s mental health from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. She has examined eating disorders in minority women, and is interested in the South Asian diaspora -- specifically immigrant mental health advocacy.

Dr. Arshia U. Zaidi examines intersectionalities of immigration, family, culture and gender. Dr Zaidi received her BA (honours) and Masters Degree in Sociology from the University of Windsor and a PhD in Sociology from Wayne State University.

Robert R. Weaver, Ph.D., received his doctorate in Sociology from the University of Connecticut and now serves as Professor and Associate Dean, Research & Partnerships at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. His research explores how cultural and social conditions shape health and illness. In particular, examines how social relationships impact the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. He also investigates how computer tools may be used to empower patients and reform health care.