Exploring Body Esteem and Appearance Perception among Veiled and Unveiled Women

Abstract

This  study  examines  the  ways  in  which  cultural  traditions,  namely  the  wearing  of  veils, affect women's perceptions of their looks and their body image. Significant differences were  found  after  data  from  100  participants—equal  numbers  of  veiled  and  unveiled participants—were analyzed. When compared to their counterparts who were not covered up, veiled women consistently showed higher levels of body esteem, appearance satisfaction, and appearance  orientation.  These  results  demonstrate  how  deeply  cultural  norms  influence women's  perceptions  of  themselves  and  emphasize  the  necessity  for  culturally  responsive strategies to support positive body image in a variety of cultural contexts.