Here's looking at you: Self-objectification, body image disturbance, and sorority rush

Ashley Marie Rolnik, Renee Engeln-Maddox, Steven A. Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of sorority rush on self-objectification and body image disturbance. First-year undergraduate women either participating (n = 68) or not participating (n = 59) in sorority rush at a U.S. Midwestern university completed online surveys at four time points. It was predicted that rush participation would lead to increases in self-objectification, which in turn would lead to increases in body shame and eating disordered behavior and attitudes. Results supported predictions based on objectification theory at a single time point, but not longitudinally. Rush participants evidenced higher levels of self-objectification and eating disordered behavior at all time points. Body mass index predicted dropping out of the rush process and was negatively correlated with satisfaction with the rush process.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6-17
Number of pages12
JournalSex Roles
Volume63
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

Keywords

  • Body shame
  • Eating disorders
  • Objectification theory
  • Sexual objectification
  • Sororities

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Social Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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