The influences of identities and social connectedness on self-objectification

<p>According to objectification theory, girls and women are socialized to adopt an external observer’s view of the self. Self-objectification occurs when there is an emphasis on physical appearance and a de-emphasis and devaluation of internal and physical competence features, all of which have been related to negative psychological consequences. Trait self-objectification is chronic preoccupation with physical appearance that occurs with little or no environmental appearance cues. While self-objectification has been demonstrated in diverse samples, research suggests self-objectification is particularly prominent for women. This study investigated the relationships between different feminist and sexual identities and trait self-objectification. A sample of 187 undergraduate women was administered a survey to measure affiliation with sexual and feminist identities, self-objectification, and well-being. While support for the protective influence of identification as a feminist, lesbian, and bisexual against self-objectification was not found, two measures of feminist identity development were found to be protective against self-objectification, and some support for the role of connection with the feminist community was found. Results are discussed in the context of objectification theory and constraints of this study.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2007

Author dc:creator

• Grey, Melissa

Contributors dc:contributor

• Silvia von Kluge, PhD, Chair
• Stephen Jefferson, PhD
• Amy M. Young, PhD

• Self-perception
• Body image in women
• Feminist psychology
• Gender identity
• Clinical Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/141

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1140