A Test Of Objectification Theory And Cultural Factors Related To Body Image And Eating Problems Among Asian American Women

Download or read book A Test of Objectification Theory and Cultural Factors Related to Body Image and Eating Problems Among Asian American Women written by Yu-Ping Huang and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ABSTRACT: This study aimed to test the generalizability of direct and mediated links posited in objectification theory (B.L. Fredrickson & T. Roberts, 1997) among sexual objectification experiences, internalization of sociocultural standards of beauty, body surveillance, body shame, and eating disorder symptoms. Within this framework, the roles of culture-related constructs, acculturation, enculturation, and perceived bicultural competence were examined. Specifically, the study examined (a) links of culture-related variables and sexual objectification experiences to body image- and eating disorder-related variables, and (b) the mediating roles of internalization of sociocultural standards of beauty, body surveillance, and body shame. As hypothesized, with a sample of 307 Asian American women, results from a path analysis suggested that (a) perceived bicultural competence was negatively correlated with eating disorder-related variables, (b) sexual objectification experiences was related positively with body surveillance through the mediating role of internalization, (c) internalization was related positively with body shame through the mediating role of body surveillance, and (d) body surveillance was expected to relate positively with eating disorder symptoms through the mediating role of body shame. However, acculturation and enculturation were not correlated with eating disorder-related variables. Implications for future research and practice with Asian American women were discussed.