Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to build on the minimal research on body image among Hmong Americans by examining and describing contributions to Hmong American college women’s ideal body image and their body attitudes. Specifically, this exploratory study aimed to answer two research questions: (a) What are the main sociocultural influences on the ideal body image identified by Hmong American college women?, and (b) What are Hmong American college women’s attitudes toward their body based on these perceived sociocultural influences? Seven participants engaged in individual semi-structured interviews regarding their perceptions and attitudes on their ideal body image. Thematic analysis was used to categorize themes in order to examine patterns that answered the two research questions. Data analysis showed that media, family, and peers were identified as the main perceived sociocultural influences linked to their ideal body image and attitudes. Moreover, media and peer themes both revealed association with mild body dissatisfaction whereas family theme was linked to mild body dissatisfaction or body image dilemma. The findings from Hmong American college women’s discussion of body image ideals and attitudes in this study may explain that media, family, and peers were salient themes that tended to co-occur with minor body image concerns.