A test of objectification theory and its relationship to feminist identity /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: VanLandingham, Alisa Marie, 1971-
Other Authors: Davenport, Donna S. (Thesis advisor)
Format: Thesis eBook
Language:English
Published: [College Station, Tex.] : [Texas A&M University], [2007]
Subjects:
Online Access:Link to OAK Trust copy
Description
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of a socio cultural theory of objectification with a population of older women. Specifically, the study sought to determine if level of self-objectification influenced psychological well-being, disordered eating, and sexual dysfunction. Additional goals of this study included determining if older women self-objectify like their younger counterparts and if level of self objectification was influenced by one's feminist identity. Participants were 128 randomly selected women living in a small city in the southwest recruited through a local seniors fair and organizations. Participants completed a take-home survey which included a demographic questionnaire, the Feminist Identity Development Scale, the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale, the Scales of Psychological Well-Being Short Form, the Eating Attitudes Test, and the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women. Participants returned surveys in postage pre-paid envelopes. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling methods and the final model fit the data well. Results indicate that older women do self-objectify but this level of self-objectification is not influenced by their level of feminist identity. In addition, level of self-objectification is negatively related to psychological well-being and positively related to disordered eating; however, no relationship exists between self-objectification and sexual dysfunction. Implications for clinical practice and further research are discussed.
Item Description:"Major Subject: Counseling Psychology"
Title from author supplied metadata (automated record created on Apr. 27, 2007.)
Vita.
Abstract.
Electronic resource.
Format:Mode of access: World Wide Web.
System requirements: World Wide Web access and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.