Date Approved
3-30-2007
Date Posted
10-1-2009
Degree Type
Open Access Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department or School
Psychology
Committee Member
Silvia von Kluge, PhD, Chair
Committee Member
Stephen Jefferson, PhD
Committee Member
Amy M. Young, PhD
Committee Member
Nina Nabors, PhD
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Grey, Melissa, "The influences of identities and social connectedness on self-objectification" (2007). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 141.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/141