Sociocultural pressures, thin-ideal internalization, self-objectification, and body dissatisfaction: could feminist beliefs be a moderating factor?
Theory and research suggest that sociocultural pressures, thin-ideal internalization, and self-objectification are associated with body dissatisfaction, while feminist beliefs may serve a protective function. This research examined thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification as mediators and feminist beliefs as a moderator in the relationship between sociocultural pressures to meet the thin-ideal and body dissatisfaction. Female undergraduate volunteers (N=195) completed self-report measures assessing sociocultural influences, feminist beliefs, thin-ideal internalization, self-objectification, and body dissatisfaction. Multisample structural equation modeling showed that feminist beliefs moderate the relationship between media awareness and thin-ideal internalization, but not the relationship between social influence and thin-ideal internalization. Research and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Myers
Taryn A
TA
Department of Psychology, Kent State University, 143 Kent Hall, Kent, OH 44242, United States. tmyers3@kent.edu
Crowther
Janis H
JH
D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003469:Culture; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D019513:Feminism; D005783:Gender Identity; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008402:Mass Media; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012945:Social Values; D012951:Socialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013851:Thinness / Q000523:psychology*