Eating Disorder of a Muslim American 'Hijabi' Woman: Case Study and Cultural Formulation

Abstract

This singleparticipant case study highlights the clinical experiences of a Muslim American hijabi (adherence to Islamic dress code) woman, with emphasis on the crosscultural and religious components that influence her mental illness. This case conceptualization illustrates bodyimage issues that Muslim women can face in western cultures, despite their religious values regarding the covering of the body and modest dress. Biopsychosocial factors are indicated to influence an eating disorder including, and are not limited to, family influences, genetics, cultural pressures, and life events. Identifying Information Sarah is a 25yearold, single, heterosexual, Muslim American woman. She was born into a household of a firstgeneration Arab Muslim father and a white Muslim convert mother. Due to her religiously motivated choice of Islamic clothing and headcovering, she considers herself a “hijabi”. She speaks English at home, but has learned to speak Arabic fluently at the age of 19. She was born and raised in Florida, where she completed her high school education, as well as her undergraduate studies. Her mother is a health professional and her father was a physician before he passed away from an illness. She moved to Illinois for graduate school immediately after receiving her undergraduate degree, where she is completing a master’s program. She currently lives alone on the school campus. She is the eldest of her siblings, which include two sisters