Contours of Beauty
Fatimah Saeed
PESHAWARA
Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Punjab, Pakistan, lie two patent ideals of feminine beauty, woven deeply into societal fabric. Yet, beneath the allure, lies a cost that transcends appearances—profound impact on psychological well-being.
As a fourth-year clinical psychology student, I found myself on an unexpected journey, one that delved into the entanglement of physical appearance expectations and their emotional aftermath, illuminating the intricate interplay between cultural beauty norms and psychological well-being.
In mere hours, two stories emerged, casting light on the complex relationship between the battle for self-acceptance and societal expectations.
Traditionally, beauty ideals are passed down through generations as a part of communal values as well as cultural identity.
In both regions, elders, especially mothers and grandmothers, play a pivotal role in imparting these standards to younger generations often through traditional rituals, storytelling, and community practices.
Historically, in KPK, the roots of these beauty ideals can be traced back to the ancient traditions and lifestyles of the region, emphasising curvaceousness as a sign of fertility and strength, which can be linked to the challenges of a harsh landscape and the need for robust health.
Meanwhile, in Punjab, where trade, agriculture, and cultural exchanges have been prominent, the beauty standards have been influenced by a variety of external factors, including the Mughal and colonial eras.
The continuity of these ideals throughout history also reflects the deep-seated nature of these values within the cultures.
The journey into these narratives commences with an encounter involving two young women, each 20 years old, and both having a BMI of 19, who stood at the crossroads of beauty and mental well-being. In KP, a region where curves are synonymous with vitality, a woman grappled with her husband’s ultimatum: gain weight or face his remarriage. Meanwhile, in Punjab, another woman’s pursuit of a lean physique became a battleground—a quest driven by unrealistic ideals.
As they embarked on this journey, bouts of depression emerged, entwined with distorted self-esteem and the persistent hold of body dysmorphia.
The intricate interplay between intersectionality, cultural beauty norms, and psychopathology unveils a complex occurrence.
For many individuals striving to meet specific beauty norms, the fixation on perceived flaws in their appearance can escalate into Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
The pressure to conform to cultural beauty standards may lead individuals to become preoccupied with perceived imperfections.
The impact of intersectionality can exacerbate this disorder, as marginalised groups may face even more complex internal struggles due to the clash between prevailing ideals and their own self-image.
The pursuit of the “Ideal” body type dictated by cultural beauty norms can predispose individuals to develop eating disorders.
Particularly those with limited resources, may resort to extreme measures, leading to disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
Socioeconomic status and cultural identity can exacerbate this, especially for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may already lack access to proper nutrition and healthcare, intensifying the risk.
The relentless pressure to conform to beauty norms can contribute to the development of Major Depressive symptoms and Anxiety Disorders.
Constant comparison with societal ideals, coupled with a fear of not meeting societal expectations, can undermine self-esteem and induce chronic stress.
The intersection of age further influences this dynamic, as younger individuals may face higher vulnerability due to their developmental stage.
In these stories, grounded in cultural beauty ideals, we witness the emotional perplexity of striving to meet societal standards, whether curvaceous or slender—leading to an inner conflict, where self-perception collides with external pressures, echoing the experiences we all share.
The impact of beauty norms on an individual’s mental health is closely tied to the discussion of cultural identity.
Dissonance from cultural identity can lead to feelings of alienation, anxiety, and Borderline Personality Disorder, causing an identity crisis along with disruption of interpersonal relationships.
Individuals from marginalised ethnic backgrounds may experience feeling torn between conforming to prevailing standards or preserving their cultural heritage.
The nexus of intersectionality, cultural beauty norms, and psychopathology paints a multi-faceted portrait of the psychological challenges faced by women in different regions of Pakistan. Within its shadows dwell Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and the spectre of Body Dysmorphia, urging us to dismantle narrow ideals and nurture self-acceptance.
Resilience and awareness emerge as the key elements of these tales.
To explore the paradox of societal beauty norms demands inner strength.
The journey to redefine beauty standards begins—an expedition illuminated by empathy, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of inner contentment.
