Body image and self-esteem under social beauty norms: a qualitative study of the experiences of men and women in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: This study examines how social beauty norms shape body image and self-esteem among men and women in Saudi Arabia. While body image has been widely studied in Western contexts, limited research has explored these dynamics in rapidly changing non-Western societies. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 30 Saudi participants (17 men and 13 women). The interviews explored participants' perceptions of their bodies and their experiences with social expectations related to appearance. Results: The findings indicate that beauty standards strongly influence how individuals evaluate their bodies and their social participation. Women reported continuous appearance-based evaluation linked to social acceptance, whereas men framed body expectations more in terms of discipline, fitness, and performance. Participants also described subtle forms of body-related stigma embedded in everyday comments and social interactions, contributing to internalized self-monitoring and feelings of anxiety. Discussion: The study demonstrates that body image in Saudi society operates within a gendered social framework where the body becomes a site of social evaluation and identity negotiation. It contributes to the literature by providing qualitative insights into body image and beauty norms within the Saudi cultural context.