Body Shame and Sexual Attractiveness: A Grounded Theory Research Among Iranian Women

Although numerous studies have been conducted on sexual objectification in Western countries, few have focused on this topic among Muslim women. This study aimed to explore and understand the main sources of body shame among middle-aged Iranian women. Using in-depth interviews within a grounded theory framework, 18 middle-aged Iranian women participated in this study. The findings showed that many participants reported not feeling a strong sense of body shame in daily life, which was deeply ingrained in their perceived social expectations in daily interactions. Concerns about not meeting societal standards of sexual attractiveness were narrated as a significant contributor to body shame. Physical self-concept and past intimate relationships were key components in shaping the perception of sexual attractiveness. Furthermore, social identity emerged as a crucial contextual factor, influencing both the need for sexual attractiveness and the level of body shame experienced when exposed to sexually objectifying messages. The multifaceted nature of body shame and its intricate interplay with societal expectations were discussed within the context of this study.