Objectification processes and disordered eating in British women and men

J Health Psychol. 2009 Apr;14(3):394-402. doi: 10.1177/1359105309102192.

Abstract

The present study extended the applicability of Objectification Theory to predict disordered eating in British women and men. Participants completed measures of self-objectification, body surveillance, body shame and disordered eating. Path analyses indicated strong support for the theoretical model in women, with body shame fully mediating the relation between self-objectification and disordered eating. Patterns were similar for men with two exceptions; body shame increased with lower self-objectification and disordered eating was directly increased with higher self-objectification. Findings extend Objectification Theory as a useful framework for identifying sociocultural influences on disordered eating in British women and men.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Image*
  • England
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Self Concept*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult