Black Nigerian women reported the highest levels of body appreciation, while White Western women reported the lowest, highlighting significant cross-cultural differences influenced by sociocultural pressures, according to a recent study.

Researchers examined body appreciation in six countries, focusing on cross-cultural differences and sociocultural pressures. The research involved 1,186 women aged 18-80 from the U.K., U.S., Canada, Australia, Nigeria, and China. Participants completed surveys evaluating body appreciation, internalization of thin and athletic ideals, and perceived sociocultural pressures.

The study's participants comprised 811 White Western women from the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Australia (age range: 18-80 years), 246 Black Nigerian women (average age: 32.17 years, SD 10.85), and 129 Chinese women (average age: 37.36 years, SD 11.52). The average age of White Western women was 36.04 years (SD 15.96).

Findings, published in PLOS ONE, showed that body appreciation remained stable with age across all countries. Body Appreciation Scale-2 scores were as follows:

• Black Nigerian women: Mean = 4.35, SD = 0.58
• Chinese women: Mean = 3.90, SD = 0.61
• White Western women: Mean = 3.18, SD = 0.85

The standard deviations provide a measure of variability in the scores within each group, helping readers interpret the differences between groups.

Additionally, higher internalization of thin and athletic ideals and greater perceived sociocultural pressures were associated with lower body appreciation across all countries and age groups. Despite significant variations in body appreciation among different ethnicities and cultures, it remained generally consistent with age, demonstrating a strong cross-cultural connection between sociocultural factors and body appreciation.

The study's findings have potential implications for mental health professionals and healthcare providers. Understanding the influence of sociocultural pressures on body appreciation can help inform culturally sensitive interventions and preventive care strategies. Promoting body appreciation and addressing sociocultural pressures may help reduce the risk of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety across diverse populations.

The authors reported no potential conflict of interest.