JESSICA Taylor, 21, found it fascinating that some Muslim women shunned their culture while others followed strict tradition.

When she saw this issue explored in a documentary on SBS Television's Foreign Correspondent she wanted to find out more.

Ms Taylor, of Bardwell Valley, is studying for an honours degree in psychological sciences at the Australian College of Applied Psychology.

Her thesis, "Relationship of veiling practices to body dissatisfaction and risky body management strategies", will examine Muslim women and body image.

"The report explored how the women who didn't wear head scarves were harassed and called prostitutes by men and women as they walked the streets in Afghanistan," Ms Taylor said.

"I found this quite interesting. The Muslim population are under-represented in body image research — it's very limited."

The aspiring clinical psychologist will compare women who wear veils and those who do not.

"I'd like to see if there's any difference in the way they feel about themselves," she said.

"The aim is to see if their experiences of objectification are connected with behaviours that place them at risk of things like eating disorders."

Al Zahra Muslim Women's Association youth volunteer, Arncliffe, Fatima Bazzi, said there were "huge misconceptions" in society about Muslim women who chose not to wear veils.

"I don't think that because some women don't wear the veil they don't want to take care of their bodies or look good," she said. "It still applies to those who wear veils.

"Covering our bodies and hair does not cover us from ill health.

"Females are females no matter what religion and taking care of our bodies is something many try and do. We are still conscious about our body image and how we are presented."

Ms Taylor hopes about 80 women aged 18 to 30 will volunteer to contribute to her online questionnaire, which can be done anonymously.

Details:research.net/s/jat_survey