A Mediational Model Linking Self-Objectification, Body Shame, and Disordered Eating

TLDR

The model proposes that body shame mediates the relationship between self‑objectification and disordered eating. This study tests a mediational model of disordered eating derived from objectification theory. Two samples of undergraduate women (n = 93 and n = 111) completed self‑report questionnaires on self‑objectification, body shame, anorexic and bulimic symptoms, and dietary restraint. Both samples confirmed the mediational model, and a direct link between self‑objectification and disordered eating was also found, with implications for future research discussed.

Abstract

This study tests a mediational model of disordered eating derived from objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). The model proposes that the emotion of body shame mediates the relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating. Two samples of undergraduate women ( n = 93, n = 111) completed self-report questionnaires assessing self-objectification, body shame, anorexic and bulimic symptoms, and dietary restraint. Findings in both samples supported the mediational model. Additionally, a direct relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating was also observed. Implications and future research directions are discussed.