Building a pantheoretical model of dehumanization with transgender men: Integrating objectification and minority stress theories.

Abstract

With a national sample of 304 transgender men, the present study tested a pantheoretical model of dehumanization (Moradi, 2013) with hypotheses derived from objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997), minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003), and prior research regarding men's body image concerns. Specifically, we tested common objectification theory constructs (internalization of sociocultural standards of attractiveness [SSA], body surveillance, body satisfaction) as direct and indirect predictors of compulsive exercise. We also examined the roles of transgender-specific minority stress variables-antitransgender discrimination and transgender identity congruence-in the model. Results of a latent variable structural equation model yielded mixed support for the posited relations. The direct and indirect interrelations of internalization of SSA, body surveillance, and body satisfaction were consistent with prior objectification theory research, but only internalization of SSA yielded a significant direct relation with compulsive exercise. In addition, neither internalization of SSA nor body surveillance yielded significant indirect relations with compulsive exercise. However, antitransgender discrimination yielded predicted indirect relations with body surveillance, body satisfaction, and compulsive exercise, with transgender congruence playing a key mediating role in most of these relations. The implications of this pantheoretical model for research and practice with transgender men are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

An Inhospitable World: Exploring a Model of Objectification Theory With Trans Women

“…Appearance congruence was associated negatively with body surveillance but was not directly associated with body shame. This finding parallels prior work that found appearance congruence was negatively associated with body surveillance (Velez et al, 2016), though the observed correlation in the present study was small. Thus, although fostering and increasing appearance congruence may be associated mildly with decreased body monitoring, it does not appear to be directly linked as a robust negative correlate of body shame, disordered eating, or intention to obtain silicone injections.…”

“…To begin, we examined the central tenets of objectification theory, which hold that internalization of cultural standards of attractiveness are linked to body surveillance and body shame, and body surveillance is linked to body shame. Consistent with prior studies using a range of diverse samples (Brewster et al, 2014; Brewster et al, 2019; Kozee & Tylka, 2006; Parent & Moradi, 2011; Velez, Breslow, Brewster, Cox, & Foster, 2016; Wiseman & Moradi, 2010), findings from the present study suggest the same pattern of relations among key objectification theory variables. Thus, internalization of cultural standards of attractiveness appears to affect trans women in ways consistent with prior research using other populations.…”

“…We sought to explore appearance congruence as a possible negative correlate of the health implications of objectification theory processes. Velez, Breslow, Brewster, Cox, and Foster (2016) found a positive direct link between appearance congruence and body satisfaction, and a negative direct link between appearance congruence and body surveillance, among a sample of U.S. transgender men. Internalization of cultural standards of attractiveness was also negatively correlated with appearance congruence, which suggests that appearance congruence may be negatively correlated with health consequences of objectification processes in trans populations.…”

“…Internalization of cultural standards of attractiveness was also negatively correlated with appearance congruence, which suggests that appearance congruence may be negatively correlated with health consequences of objectification processes in trans populations. Velez et al (2016) did not assess body shame, leaving the relation between appearance congruence and body shame as an open question addressed in the present study. Additionally, Kozee, Tylka, and Bauerband (2012) found that appearance congruence was positively related to life satisfaction and negatively related to body dissatisfaction and depression.…”

Transgender Noninclusive Healthcare and Delaying Care Because of Fear: Connections to General Health and Mental Health Among Transgender Adults

“…32 Additional stressors include perceived transgender stigma, 33,34 internalized transphobia, 34,35 gender-related rejection and victimization, 31 nonaffirmation of gender identity, 27,36 and nondisclosure of transgender identity. 34 …”