Pathways from sociocultural and objectification constructs to body satisfaction among women: The U.S. Body Project I. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frederick, David A.; Tylka, Tracy L.; Rodgers, Rachel F.; Pennesi, Jamie-Lee; Convertino, Lexie; Parent, Michael C.; Brown, Tiffany A.; Compte, Emilio J.; Cook-Cottone, Catherine P.; Crerand, Canice E.; Malcarne, Vanessa L.; Nagata, Jason M.; Perez, Marisol; Pila, Eva; Schaefer, Lauren M.; Thompson, J. Kevin; Murray, Stuart B.
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 41(2022)
• Page Start: 195
• Page End: 208
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Tripartite influence model -- Objectification theory -- Body image quality of life -- Appearance evaluation -- Body mass index; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: Constructs from objectification theory and tripartite influence model were tested. Outcomes included body image quality of life and appearance evaluation. The integrated sociocultural model was supported among women. Pathways from these constructs to body satisfaction differed by body mass. Findings highlight the usefulness of the model to explain women's body image. Abstract: Objectification theory proposes that widespread sexualization causes women to engage in surveillance of their appearance. We integrated this concept into a model with constructs from the tripartite influence model, which proposes that body dissatisfaction is a result of internalizing cultural notions of thin ideal beauty that stem from family, peer, and media appearance-related pressures. We tested this model with an online sample of 6327 adult women. Specifically, we tested whether these pressures predicted increased thin-ideal and muscular-ideal internalization, leading to greater body surveillance, and in turn lower appearance evaluation and body image quality of life. Structural equation modeling supported many aspects of the model. Family, peer, and media pressures related to higher thin-ideal internalization, which related to higher body surveillance and lower appearance evaluation. Peer and media pressures related to higher muscular-ideal internalization, which related to lower appearance evaluation. However, muscular-ideal internalization was not related to body image quality of life. An indirect relationship emerged between thin-ideal internalization and body image outcomes via body surveillance. Body mass index (BMI) moderated several of these model paths. Findings highlight the value of this integrated sociocultural model, and of BMI as an important moderating factor when examining objectification and tripartite influence models.