Family Authority, Appearance‐Socialisation and Disordered Eating Among Young Adults in Pakistani Families

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The exact role of everyday family processes in collectivist societies has not been well explored, although disordered eating is commonly viewed through sociocultural variables. Purpose The aim of the research was a qualitative study of the expectations associated with appearance, communication style and family authority among young adults ( N = 12) in Lahore, Pakistan. Using purposive sampling, participants who endorsed disordered eating behaviours on the Disordered Eating Behaviour Scale (DEBS) and who were interested in sharing their experiences in detail were sampled. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews. Method Reflexive thematic analysis was used to examine the data, and code and meaning saturation were monitored using a code accrual matrix. Results Four interrelated themes have been identified, namely, appearance‐based monitoring, the societal value of body image, intergenerational modelling and parental authority as an emotional background for eating. Conclusion The paper emphasises that one should understand disordered eating as a relational and culturally enshrined phenomenon, rather than as an individual psychological problem. The results advance the field of family‐based studies within the collectivist background and demonstrate that the combination of authority structures, communication patterns and expectations regarding appearance affects the occurrence of eating‐related distress. Implication The findings support the rationale of culturally sensitive, family‐centred preventive and intervention strategies that should take into consideration family communication patterns, authority relations and appearance‐related socialisation of Pakistani families.