Underrepresented Populations and Cross-Cultural Considerations

The symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can manifest differently depending on a person’s identity and sociocultural background. Recent research has shown that BDD symptoms often differ across cultures, races/ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations. Evidence also suggests that the prevalence and expression of body dysmorphic concerns are influenced by sociocultural factors including minority stress, culturally mediated social norms, and variations in beauty ideals and standards. No research to date has developed CBT for BDD protocols adapted to specific cultures or subgroups. However, the ideographic nature of CBT allows clinicians to tailor the treatment to individuals of different backgrounds. In this chapter, we provide an overview of research on clinical differences in BDD across cultures, races/ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations and discuss implications for treatment.