Do you "like" your body?: The effect of Facebook investment on self-objectification, body shame, and disordered eating

Abstract

The model derived from objectification theory proposing that body shame mediates the
relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating has been empirically
supported in numerous past studies. The present study extended the research on
objectification theory by first examining this model in a sample of 71 female
undergraduates and then investigating what effect Facebook investment had on the
study's variables. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing selfobjectification,
body shame, disordered eating symptoms, and Facebook investment.
Results demonstrated that body shame fully mediated the relationship between selfobjectification
and disordered eating. Analyses also revealed Facebook investment to be a
significant predictor of self-objectification in this study's sample. Time spent on
Facebook was additionally significantly correlated with self-objectification, while
number of photos on Facebook was correlated with disordered eating. Implications and
future directions are discussed.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Amy Brausch (Supervisor)