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Prevalence of disturbance of body image perception and engagement in risky behaviors for eating disorders motivated by the Korean wave

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  • Valentina Belalcazar Vivas

Abstract

Background: the global expansion of the Korean wave (hallyu) has led to the idealization of Korean beauty standards among fans. Celebrities share extreme diets and exercise routines through social media that help them lose weight and adhere to this standard, which has been shown in some studies conducted in Asia to significantly influence negative body image perception and risk for eating disorders. Aim: to describe the prevalence of disturbance of body image perception and engagement in risky behaviors for eating disorders among Spanish-speaking fans residing in Western countries, motivated by the Korean wave. Method: this cross-sectional and descriptive study employed a quantitative method for data collection. The data were collected through an anonymous online survey created by the author on the Google Forms platform; the survey included demographic questions, information about exposure to hallyu, body perception, body image perception disturbance and engagement in risky behaviors motivated by the Korean wave. A total of 121 participants were recruited to answer through social network X Prevalence was then calculated for each category. Results: a total of 67.8% of the participants reported comparing their bodies to those of Korean celebrities, and 53.7% experienced a disturbance in their body image perception after exposure to hallyu. Risk behaviors related to exercise were more prevalent among participants than were those related to eating. The majority of participants engaging in these behaviors were females aged 18 years or younger. Conclusion: disturbance of the body image perception and engagement in risky behaviors for EDs motivated by the Korean wave are prevalent among its fans, especially female adolescents. More research is needed to understand the extent of this influence on body image perception and the risk of ED, which have a negative impact on physical and mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Valentina Belalcazar Vivas, 2025. "Prevalence of disturbance of body image perception and engagement in risky behaviors for eating disorders motivated by the Korean wave," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 71(1), pages 109-115, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:71:y:2025:i:1:p:109-115
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640241280719
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sukkyung You & Kyulee Shin, 2020. "Sociocultural Influences, Drive for Thinness, Drive for Muscularity, and Body Dissatisfaction among Korean Undergraduates," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-10, July.
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