IDENTITY AND BODY IMAGE: HOW BICULTURAL INFLUENCES AFFECT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE AND DISORDERED EATING IN KOREAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS

Author

Abigail G. Brown, Seattle Pacific UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 6-6-2023

Document Type

Honors Project

University Scholars Director

Dr. Christine Chaney

First Advisor/Committee Member

Professor Joey Freeman

Second Advisor/Committee Member

Professor Catalina Vlad-Ortiz

Keywords

Body Image, Disordered Eating, Identity Formation, Korean-American, Adolescents, Bicultural Youth

Abstract

The objective of this research project is to examine the existing literature related to culture, body image, and disordered eating in Korea and the United States as they are related to the identity and body image formation of Korean American adolescents in the United States. Because there is not much existing literature specifically investigating the experience of Korean American adolescents, this paper aims to synthesize the current research regarding Korean and United States culture to create a summary of factors that contribute to the development of negative body image and/or disordered eating in this population. In addition, these factors will be considered through the lens of acculturation, and how acculturation impacts the identity formation and identity security of Korean American adolescents. This paper concludes that research indicates that the Korean American adolescent population is at significant risk of developing negative body image and/or disordered eating tendencies. The Korean American adolescent population is not only increasing rapidly but is also less likely to receive proper treatment for mental health conditions including negative body image and disordered eating. This makes them a population of concern, necessitating further research on disordered eating and negative body image in Korean American adolescents specifically.

Comments

A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University Scholars Honors Program.

Recommended Citation

Brown, Abigail G., "IDENTITY AND BODY IMAGE: HOW BICULTURAL INFLUENCES AFFECT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE AND DISORDERED EATING IN KOREAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS" (2023). Honors Projects. 189.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/honorsprojects/189

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