Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susan Rarick

Abstract

Sexual objectification has consistently been found to significantly influence self-objectification in women. Self-objectification has been linked to a number of adverse effects in women including depression, sexual dysfunction, and disordered eating. All females are vulnerable to sexually objectifying experiences and thus, developing self-objectifying behaviors and issues. Although extensive research explores both forms of objectification with Caucasian females, less is known about females in minority groups. In addition, little research has explored potential moderating variables. In other research related to investigating women’s mental health, feminism is one variable that has been found to have a positive effect on women’s issues. This study sought to address a gap in objectification research by exploring sexual- and self-objectification in a sample of 122 African American women. Further, this study examined the potential influence of feminist beliefs on self-objectification. Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to examine the research questions and hypotheses. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between sexual and self-objectification in the sample. No significant relationships were found in terms of participant age, geographical location, or level of education. Feminist beliefs were not found to have a moderating effect on self-objectification. Findings from this study inform current objectification literature by investigating these constructs among minority women. Additionally, knowledge of sexually objectifying experiences and self-objectification among African American women can enhance clinical practice and intervention with women of color.

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