Faithin Omaha eBook Collection

Download or read book A Qualitative Exploration of Mexican American Women and Body Image written by Erika Denise Curiel and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 632 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In mainstream U.S. culture, a woman's physical appearance can grant social acceptance and power as well as be critically evaluated throughout her life based on how she measures up to the ideal beauty image. The ideal female beauty image in the U.S. is depicted as White, thin, young, and heterosexual. The impact of the incessant attention given to this image has been widely researched. Yet minimal research has been done on body image development within minority populations. The researcher did not find any studies on the lived experiences of Mexican American women and body image development. This investigation contributes additional understanding for the distinct factors involved in the development of Mexican American women's body image, thereby assisting mental health professionals to enhance their treatment and prevention methods in ways that are more multiculturally competent. This research provides a contextual understanding of Mexican American women's body image development. A phenomenological approach was used to analyze the interviews with 11 Mexican American women and to identify common themes among experiences that were relevant to body image development. The themes that emerged were Familial Influences, The Role of Food, Religious Influences, Media Awareness, and Investment.