| dc.description.abstract | Disordered eating behaviours are globally prevalent and represent a significant risk for eating disorders. Recent studies conducted in Non-Western countries like India have demonstrated rates of disordered eating behaviours that approximate those reported in Western literature, although these rates are highly variable (range 0.4%-42.73%). Most research examining factors associated with disordered eating behaviours in India has primarily investigated Western correlates such as body image issues, weight/shape dissatisfaction and role of media, using a cross-cultural (etic) perspective. While it is possible that the prevalence of disordered eating behaviours in India is due to Westernizing influences in the country, it is also possible, given the rich complexity of traditional Indian culture, that there are culturally-specific (emic) predisposing factors of these behaviours. Unfortunately, little research has examined and compared these culturally-specific factors with universal factors. Such an investigation could potentially contribute to the current understanding of disordered eating behaviours at a global level. Therefore, the main objective of this thesis was to examine the factors of disordered eating behaviours across India and the UK, combining cross-cultural and culture-specific approaches. A series of four studies were conducted. The first study aimed to highlight the projected prevalence and correlates of disordered eating behaviours in India (systematic review). The second study explored the cultural factors of disordered eating behaviours in India and the UK (qualitative study). These studies led to two cross-sectional quantitative studies that examined universal and culture-specific factors of disordered eating alongside across India and the UK (online survey) and the ways in which cultural perspective may shape and modify a universal factor (experimental study). Overall, this research provided convergent evidence from etic and emic perspectives that cultural contexts may modify the function of universal factors. Psychological control, perfectionism and need for achievement were identified as universal correlates of disordered eating behaviours in India and the UK. In particular, psychological control, which is a robust predisposing factor in Western countries, was significantly related to disordered eating behaviours in India as well; although, this correlate may be experienced differently across cultures. Preliminary evidence on the culture-specific role of suppression of self and collectivistic perspective in disordered eating behaviours was found in India, suggesting that future studies are required to investigate this area further. These studies provide useful information, which if integrated within the current socio-cultural explanations, may expand the international perspective on disordered eating behaviours. | en_GB |
