Social and Cultural Indicators Affecting Women's Demand for Body Management: A Structural and Interpretive Modeling

The issue of body management and the extreme view towards it is common in the country, and has adverse effects on health. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the main indicators and factors affecting women's body management and to provide a structural and interpretive model for a comprehensive and priority view of the problem.

Initially, the factors affecting women's body management were identified by reviewing research on the topic. Subsequently, a self-interaction matrix with structural and interpretive modeling method was used via purposeful sampling of experts and using a questionnaire. In the next stage,  the level order of the factors was determined by examining the relationships between the factors affecting women’s body management. Finally, using Mick Mac analysis, the type of variables was determined based on penetration power and degree of dependence.

Based on the findings of this study, the variables of media and economic capital with high influence and low dependence are the key independent variables in women's body management. Cultural capital, social capital, reference groups, social acceptance, social pressure, religiosity education, negative body image and body dissatisfaction are also related variables that have both high influence and high dependence on other variables. The variables of opposite sex attraction, self-confidence and consumerism were identified as dependent variables. These variables have high dependence and low penetration power and strongly affect women's body management under the influence of changes in other variables.

Considering the importance of body management measures on women's health, identifying the factors and their leveling can be of significance in health policy.