The Relationship Between Objectified Body Consciousness and Wellness in a Group of College Women

Abstract

Objectified body consciousness theory provides a framework for understanding young women's negative body experiences and their impact on well‐being. This study examined the impact of body surveillance, body shame, and appearance control beliefs, the 3 components of objectified body consciousness, on wellness in college women. Data indicated a negative relationship between body surveillance and body shame and several components of wellness and a positive relationship between appearance control beliefs and aspects of wellness. Implications are examined.

Assessing the Role of Body Image Coping Strategies as Mediators or Moderators of the Links Between Self-Objectification, Body Shame, and Well-Being

“…McKinley (1999) reported that body surveillance (an alternative measure of selfobjectification) was negatively related to components of psychological well-being (e.g., personal growth, purpose in life), and Sinclair and Myers (2004) found that body surveillance was negatively associated with adaptive coping. As recent research has demonstrated (e.g., Keyes 2005Keyes , 2007, the absence of mental illness (e.g., depression) does not necessarily imply the presence of mental health (e.g.…”

High School Sport Participation and Subsequent Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity: The Mediating Influences of Body Image, Physical Competence, and Instrumentality

“…Because physical appearance is so highly valued in Western culture, it is not surprising that having a good body image would be associated with also having a positive view of one's self and life (Seihad and Bouffard 2007;Sinclair and Myers 2004). Similarly, feeling capable and effective, and possessing characteristics generally associated with masculinity (e.g., assertiveness, independence), are likely contribute to one's psychological well-being.…”

“…Body image, physical competence, and instrumentality have been associated with psychological well-being among girls and women (e.g., Cash et al 2004;Moore 2007;Pedersen and Seidman, 2004;Richman and Shaffer 2000;Shaffer and Wittes 2006;Sinclair and Myers 2004;Slater and Tiggemann, 2006). Because physical appearance is so highly valued in Western culture, it is not surprising that having a good body image would be associated with also having a positive view of one's self and life (Seihad and Bouffard 2007;Sinclair and Myers 2004).…”

Wellness of children in Israel and the United States: A preliminary examination of culture and well-being

“…In the United States, traditional, stereotyped gender perceptions are changing, however, traditional views of masculine and feminine roles remain prevalent. As a consequence, for example, women are valued for slimness, youth, and beauty, leading many young women to overemphasize physical characteristics to the detriment of their overall wellness (Sinclair & Myers, 2004). The lack of gender differences within the Israeli sample on all factors may reflect greater gender equality in Israel as compared to the United States.…”