The Objectified Body Consciousness Scale

TLDR

A scale to measure objectified body consciousness was developed and validated using feminist theory on the social construction of the female body in 502 young and 151 middle‑aged women. The scale consists of three dimensions—surveillance, body shame, and appearance control beliefs—measured across the 653 participants. The dimensions were distinct and reliable; surveillance and body shame were negatively associated with body esteem, appearance control beliefs were positively associated with body esteem in young women and linked to restricted eating, and all three scales were positively related to disordered eating.

Abstract

Using feminist theory about the social construction of the female body, a scale was developed and validated to measure objectified body consciousness (OBC) in young women ( N = 502) and middle-aged women ( N = 151). Scales used were (a) surveillance (viewing the body as an outside observer), (b) body shame (feeling shame when the body does not conform), and (c) appearance control beliefs. The three scales were demonstrated to be distinct dimensions with acceptable reliabilities. Surveillance and body shame correlated negatively with body esteem. Control beliefs correlated positively with body esteem in young women and were related to frequency of restricted eating in all samples. All three scales were positively related to disordered eating. The relationship of OBC to women's body experience is discussed.