Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2016, Human Ecology: Fashion and Retail Studies
In the western world, questions pertaining to modesty such as how much skin can one reveal or not reveal are being asked since it is seen heavily in the media and celebrity culture. As a function of dress, modesty is concerned with the concealing of oneself and the body (Flugel, 1930). This function has an impact on body image especially since most women experience normative discontent or a regular dissatisfaction with their appearance (Rodin, Silberstein, & Striegel-Moore, 1984). Researchers have actively been looking for ways to relieve poor body image, which include ways religious identity improves body satisfaction (Boyatzis, Kline, & Backof, 2007; Mahoney et al., 2005). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of Christian identity on modesty and how modesty in many forms influenced body image. Using the social identity theory approach, Christian identity was conceptualized as a group identity, which had norms including modesty and beliefs about the body (Hogg & Reid, 2006; Tajfel & Turner, 1986; Terry & Hogg, 1996). These norms influenced definitions of modesty, which has been conceptualized in multiple ways including concealment, respect, purity, and humility (Andrews, 2011; Hahner & Varda, 2012). Body image and appearance has linkages to self-objectification(Fallon, 1990; McKinley & Hyde, 1996a). Through connecting these concepts of Christian identity, modesty, and body image, a model was developed.
An online survey (n=428) with snowball sampling of Christian adult women was conducted to measure these concepts. It was hypothesized that Christian identity through religious orientation would positively impact modesty, which would then positively impact body image. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling was used to determine the validity and significant pathways of the model. It was found that the social aspect of extrinsic religious orientation impacted several types of modesty including contextual and esteem m (open full item for complete abstract)
Committee: Nancy A. Rudd PhD (Advisor); Seo Soobin PhD (Committee Member); Bujisic Milos PhD (Committee Member)
Subjects: Religion; Social Psychology; Womens Studies