Revisiting the Relationship Between Eating Disturbances and Cultural Origin: A Focus on Adult Women in 14 Community Studies

Abstract

Are there differences in prevalence and predictors of eating disturbances among adult women (age 30+) from diverse cultural backgrounds? Most research has explored these issues with young age groups, although the results may also be relevant to adults. Fourteen community-based studies with culturally diverse samples are examined. A majority of studies (70%) reveals no significant group differences in prevalence rates. In contrast, significantly different clinical predictors emerge from multivariate analyses despite groups having similar frequency rates. Collectively, findings offer a complex, sometimes contradictory and inconclusive picture. Additional research is warranted for developing evidence-based interventions sensitive to adults from diverse cultural traditions.

Acknowledgments

The author thanks two dedicated research associates, Noa Citri and Adi Meir, who were extremely helpful, particularly regarding the references and the preparation of Table 1.

Notes

¹The terms “ethnic culture” and “cultural origin” are similar in meaning and refer to specific features of a group's background which can include history, language, values, beliefs, traditions, etc.

²In the literature, individuals in research samples often are identified as black or white. In this article, the focus is shifted away from racial characteristics to a broader and more complex sociocultural construct of cultural origin that includes family origin, history, values, traditions, norms, and practices. Thus, respondents are identified as African-American or European-American in addition to Hispanic or Asian.

³The 14 studies represent the preponderance of published research in mainstream literature that meets four criteria: non-clinical samples, adult women age 30+, two or more cultural groups, and data analysis by group.

⁴Concern about the use of different assessment instruments is important regarding the establishment of prevalence rates. It is less relevant when comparing similarities and differences between groups.