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The Body as an Object of Stigmatization in Cultures of Guilt and Shame: A Polish–Vietnamese Comparison

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  • Małgorzata Lipowska

    (Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Ha Truong Thi Khanh

    (Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi 336, Vietnam)

  • Mariusz Lipowski

    (Department of Health Psychology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Joanna Różycka-Tran

    (Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Mariola Bidzan

    (Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Thu Tran Ha

    (Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi 336, Vietnam)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine cross-cultural differences in body stigmatization between the individualistic Christian culture of guilt (Poland) and the collectivistic Buddhist/Confucian culture of honor and shame (Vietnam). The study included 1290 university students from Poland ( n = 586) and Vietnam ( n = 704). Subjects filled in the body esteem scale and the perceived stigmatization questionnaire, and body measurements were collected to calculate anthropometric indices. Participants from Vietnam were less satisfied with their appearance than their Polish peers. Men in both countries assessed themselves more favorably. No anthropometric index predicted body esteem in Vietnamese women, while only indices related to fat levels were predictors in Polish women. Men with a V-shaped body assessed themselves as stronger and as having a better physical condition. A possible explanation of the observed cross-cultural differences is that interdependent self-construal makes young adults in collectivistic societies more susceptible to criticism, and the Confucian values of modesty and shame lead to them not perceiving their bodies as sexual objects. The Christian sense of guilt does not influence the perception of sexuality. Absence of friendly behavior mediated the relation between anthropometric indices and body esteem in both cultures.

Suggested Citation

  • Małgorzata Lipowska & Ha Truong Thi Khanh & Mariusz Lipowski & Joanna Różycka-Tran & Mariola Bidzan & Thu Tran Ha, 2019. "The Body as an Object of Stigmatization in Cultures of Guilt and Shame: A Polish–Vietnamese Comparison," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:16:p:2814-:d:255456
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Forste, Renata & Moore, Erin, 2012. "Adolescent obesity and life satisfaction: Perceptions of self, peers, family, and school," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 10(4), pages 385-394.
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    2. Chung-Ying Lin & Meng-Che Tsai & Chih-Hsiang Liu & Yi-Ching Lin & Yi-Ping Hsieh & Carol Strong, 2019. "Psychological Pathway from Obesity-Related Stigma to Anxiety via Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem among Adolescents in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-9, November.
    3. Xavier C. C. Fung & Amir H. Pakpour & Ya-Ke Wu & Chia-Wei Fan & Chung-Ying Lin & Hector W. H. Tsang, 2019. "Psychosocial Variables Related to Weight-Related Self-Stigma in Physical Activity among Young Adults across Weight Status," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-11, December.
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    6. Yu Xin & Xiaohui Ren, 2020. "Social Capital as a Mediator through the Effect of Education on Depression and Obesity among the Elderly in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-12, June.

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