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The role of self-objectification in the experience of women with eating disorders

Calogero, Rachel M., Davis, William N., Thompson, J. Kevin (2005) The role of self-objectification in the experience of women with eating disorders. Sex Roles, 52 (1-2). pp. 43-50. ISSN 0360-0025. (doi:10.1007/s11199-005-1192-9) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:4153)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-1192-9

Abstract

Objectification theory has linked self-objectification to negative emotional experiences and disordered eating behavior in cultures that sexually objectify the female body. This link has not been empirically tested in a clinical sample of women with eating disorders. In the present effort, 209 women in residential treatment for eating disorders completed self-report measures of self-objectification, body shame, media influence, and drive for thinness on admission to treatment. Results demonstrated that the internalization of appearance ideals from the media predicted self-objectification, whereas using the media as an informational source about appearance and feeling pressured to conform to media ideals did not. Self-objectification partially mediated the relationship between internalized appearance ideals and drive for thinness; internalized appearance ideals continued to be an independent predictor of variance. In accordance with objectification theory, body shame partially mediated the relationship between self-objectification and drive for thinness in women with eating disorders; self-objectification continued to be an independent predictor of variance. These results illustrate the importance of understanding and targeting the experience of self-objectification in women with eating disorders or women at risk for eating disorders.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s11199-005-1192-9
Uncontrolled keywords: self-objectification; eating disorders; internalization; sociocultural
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Rachel Calogero
Date Deposited: 04 Sep 2008 14:29 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 09:35 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/4153 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Calogero, Rachel M..

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