Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2004, Psychology

Although the areas of feminism, body image, and sexism have received ample empirical attention, little attention has been paid to these variables in combination. Furthermore, racial/ethnic differences have not always been taken into consideration, leaving many questions as to the generalizability of previous findings. The present study examined the relationships between perceived experiences with sexism, body image dissatisfaction, and feminist identity development in a group of European and African American female college students (ns = 116 and 95, respectively). Participants completed the Schedule of Sexist Events, the Body Shape Questionnaire, the Sociocultural Attitudes toward Appearance Questionnaire, the Feminist Identity Composite, and a demographic questionnaire. As expected, sexism was positively correlated with both body image dissatisfaction and feminist identity development, whereas body image dissatisfaction and feminist identity development were negatively correlated. Results also supported the hypothesis that African and European American women would not differ in their perceived experiences with sexism. However, differences did emerge on feminist identity development, with African American women endorsing interest in social change more frequently compared to European American women. In general, no differences were found between the two groups on body image dissatisfaction. Though, African American women did report less internalization of societal messages about beauty compared to European American women. Finally, results did not support the hypothesis that feminist identity development would moderate the relationship between sexism and body image dissatisfaction, with one exception. Feminist identity moderated the relationship between African American women's recent experiences with sexism and body image dissatisfaction measured by the Body Shape Questionnaire. Implications for counseling and directions for future research are explored.

Committee: Pamela Highlen (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2018, Media and Communication

Eating disordered behavior is a crucial health issue that has been studied by several researchers over the years and continues to be addressed by many. Extreme concern for body image is acknowledged as one of the foundations for eating disorders and thinness ideal. Therefore, it becomes imperative to understand how young adults will react to universal messages related to body image and body dissatisfaction issues displayed in various forms of media. In this study, an important objective is to examine the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young adult users of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Yet another objective is to examine if body dissatisfaction among these users is associated with disordered eating behaviors. The present study, using the Theory of Planned Behavior, investigated the socio-cultural factors that may influence self-reported disordered eating behavior in young adults, especially females. To address these objectives, quantitative data were collected using a self-administered online survey. The data analysis found that more the number of hours spent on social media sites, higher is the body dissatisfaction among young adults. The data also show that body dissatisfaction is predicted by low levels of self-esteem, and high level of internalization of thinness ideal. When comparing the association of body dissatisfaction with eating disorders, it was found that among young adult female users of social media, body dissatisfaction levels are positively associated with eating disorder behaviors. When TPB variables were employed to screen for intentions to engage in strict dietary behavior as well as intention to engage anorexic and bulimic behavior, it is found that attitude, subjective norms and peer norms relating to food and thinness, and perceived behavioral control are statistically significant. Furthermore, when intention to perform the desired behavior, along with all other variables, namely attitudes, subjec (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Srinivas Melkote PhD (Advisor); Lara Lengel PhD (Committee Member); Clayton Rosati PhD (Committee Member); Alfred DeMaris PhD (Committee Member); Michael Brooks PhD (Other) Subjects: Communication; Health; Mass Media

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2017, Psychology

Excess weight is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity persist despite increased awareness of and access to weight management strategies. Recent efforts focus on identifying factors that prevent individuals from engaging in healthy and sustainable eating and exercise behaviors to facilitate weight loss. Body dissatisfaction is an established risk factor for unhealthy eating and unhealthy exercise behavior. Despite its high prevalence among overweight and obese adults, body dissatisfaction has received limited recognition as a potential barrier to weight loss. The current study was designed to 1) evaluate the relationship of body dissatisfaction to health behaviors important for weight loss (eating and exercise) and to quality of life, 2) evaluate the treatment effects of a body dissatisfaction intervention developed for adolescent females (the Body Project) among adult women attempting weight loss, and 3) evaluate the effects of the intervention on eating and exercise behavior and on adherence to behavioral recommendations for weight loss. Forty-four overweight and obese women (71% Caucasian; 37.9 ±7.6 years of age; BMI: 30.5 ± 2.9) were recruited in three cohorts from the Columbus metropolitan area. Prospective participants were screened for eligibility including self-reported body shape and weight concerns and desire for weight loss. Eligible participants completed a 90- minute baseline assessment including body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, eating and exercise behaviors, and quality of life. At the time of baseline assessment, all participants received brief psychoeducation regarding current national guidelines for healthy weight loss. Participants were then randomized to one of two four-week treatment conditions: a control group (n=21) that engaged in daily tracking of dietary intake and physical activity; or an intervention group (n=23) that completed daily tra (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Charles Emery PhD (Advisor); Ruchika Prakash PhD (Committee Member); Tracy Tylka PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2015, Psychology

Current research has indicated that body dissatisfaction and concern with weight have been identified in children as young as six years of age (e.g., Davison, Markey & Birch, 2003). Such body dissatisfaction has been linked to increased negative affect, unhealthy dieting practices, and the development of eating disorders (Stice, 2001; Stice & Shaw, 2002). Recent research has emerged indicating that both the media and maternal influence can affect prepubescent girls' body image. However, this research has examined maternal direct and indirect influences on prepubescent daughters using reports primarily from daughters. The current study used reports from prepubescent daughters and their mothers to examine media and maternal direct and indirect influence on prepubescent daughters' body dissatisfaction. The daughters completed self-report measures of media internalization and body dissatisfaction and their mothers completed self-report measures of maternal influence on daughters' body dissatisfaction. Results indicated that direct maternal influence, indirect maternal influence and media did not individually or in combination predict daughters' body dissatisfaction as measured by the Children's Figure Rating Scale. However, further analyses with the variables Pressure to Eat (direct maternal influence), maternal body dissatisfaction (indirect maternal influence) and media in combination significantly predicted 34% of the variance of daughters' body dissatisfaction. Based on the results, there may be a potential relationship between mothers' body dissatisfaction, influence on daughters' eating, and prepubescent girls' body dissatisfaction that warrants further investigation

Committee: Christine Dacey Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Kathleen Hart Ph.D. (Committee Member); Lisa Mills Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Development and Aging, Cleveland State University, 2015, College of Sciences and Health Professions

Research has shown individuals with an eating disorder selectively attend to stimuli related to their concerns, and this attentional component might be one way in which eating disorders are maintained. Research using a variant of the Stroop task has demonstrated that women with an eating disorder have a stronger Stroop interference effect for words related to body shape than controls. The conclusion is individuals with an eating disorder have an information processing bias for stimuli related to their disorder, and thus, slower responses. A main objective of this study was to investigate this effect in both younger and middle age females. In Experiment 1, younger and middle age females with an eating disorder were compared with females without an eating disorder. In Experiment 2, younger and middle age females who had been exposed to thin media images were compared with females exposed to control images. The predictions were reflected through the color naming of body related words in a variation of the Stroop task. Computer mouse tracking was used to examine processing in both experiments. I predicted participants with an eating disorder (Experiment 1) or those exposed to the thin ideal prime (Experiment 2) would be more distracted by the presence of body related words relative to the controls. In both experiments, the middle age participants took longer to complete the task than the younger participants. In Experiment 1, age differences interacted with the eating disorder, a new finding with important implications. The RT data from the priming manipulation in Experiment 2 suggested that the thin prime facilitated responses to the body related words, opposite from the predictions. However, when examining the raw trajectory data using mouse tracking, age differences and interactions with prime began to emerge. The results showed, when looking at the role of an eating disorder in Experiment 1, middle age females with an eating disorder exhibited large a (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Conor McLennan Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Katherine Judge Ph.D. (Committee Member); Richard Rakos Ph.D. (Committee Member); Toni Bisconti Ph.D. (Committee Member); Kimberly Neuendorf Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Developmental Psychology; Experimental Psychology; Psychology

Master of Science, Miami University, 2014, Exercise and Health Studies

This paper reports on an examination of first year students across their first semester with regards to changes in and associations among exercise stage of change, body weight, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem. The study was a secondary data analysis with three main objectives: to examine associations among variables at each time point, to examine changes in each variable across time, and to explore how change in exercise stage of change may explain changes in the other variables. Results were analyzed via a chi-square test of independence, correlations, several dependent t-tests, and a multinomial logistic regression. Across time, observed exercise stage of change was more stable than expected, and significant changes occurred in body weight and body dissatisfaction. However, exercise stage alone did not predict changes in other variables. This paper also presents limitations and strengths of the study, as well as directions for future research.

Committee: Rose Marie Ward PhD. (Advisor); Karly Geller PhD. (Committee Member); Jay Kimiecik PhD. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behaviorial Sciences; Health; Health Sciences; Social Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2014, Psychology-Counseling

Sociocultural pressures, including those from peers, family, and media, are postulated to contribute to the development and maintenance of body dissatisfaction. Several models exist to explain how these pressures lead to body dissatisfaction. The Dual Pathway Model hypothesizes that internalizing the importance of thinness mediates the relationship between these sociocultural pressures and body dissatisfaction, while an alternate model, the Tripartite Influence Model, also includes social comparison processes as a mediator along with internalization. In order to determine which model better explains women's experiences with Body Dissatisfaction, a large sample of college women completed self-report measures of Sociocultural Pressures, Internalization of the Thin Ideal, Social Comparison, and Body Dissatisfaction. Structural Equation Modeling was used to compare the fit of the two models. In contrast to the primary hypothesis that the Tripartite Influence Model would best fit the data, both of the tested models did not demonstrate adequate fit. It is likely that measurement issues and theoretical misspecification led to the poorly fitting model. The results of this study provide additional evidence that the existing models of Body Dissatisfaction are inadequate, and further research is needed to determine how social pressures to be thin lead to poor body image. Overall, these findings support the role of Sociocultural Pressures, Social Comparison, and Internalization of the Thin Ideal in the development of Body Dissatisfaction and highlight the need for a more integrated model of Body Dissatisfaction.

Committee: Dawn Johnson Dr. (Advisor); Sharon Kruse Dr. (Committee Member); David Tokar Dr. (Committee Member); Ingrid Weigold Dr. (Committee Member); Jan Yoder Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2014, Psychology/Developmental

This dissertation assessed the body image and digital manipulation (airbrushing) knowledge of four age groups (i.e., 3rd grade, 7th grade, 11th grade, and college students). It was found that girls begin to learn about the airbrushing process around 7th grade (12-13 years old), but they do not begin to use this knowledge to protect themselves against airbrushed images until they are older adolescents. Also examined was the effect that seeing airbrushed images had on girls in the different age groups and what individual personality differences played a role in how much children, adolescents, and women were affected by the thin-idealized images. Body image was assessed pre and post exposure to two sets of thin-idealized images. A short media literacy reflection task was completed during the second exposure. College student body image decreased after exposure to thin-idealized images with and without the media literacy reflection task. However, body image decreased significantly less when the media literacy reflection task was employed. This demonstrates the ability of this age group to use the airbrushing knowledge they have to protect themselves against idealized images, but only when instructed to do so. While the younger samples did not show a decrease in body image post media exposure, child body image was negatively related to BMI and internalization of the thin-ideal. These two main individual difference variables were found to contribute the most to both lower body image and worse body image change after media exposure.

Committee: Dara Musher-Eizenman Ph.D. (Advisor); Sherri Horner Ph.D. (Committee Member); Marie Tisak Ph.D. (Committee Member); Anne Gordon Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2010, Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Previous research has indicated that sexual assault is negatively associated with victims' general self-esteem (Murphy, Amick-McMullen, Kilpatrick, Haskett, Veronen, Best, & Taylor, 1986) and positively related to trauma symptomatology (e.g., Ullman & Brecklin, 2002). Although research has also examined the relationship between sexual assault and body esteem (e.g., Kulkoski & Kilian, 1997), existing literature attempting to conclude that sexual assault is associated with poorer body esteem is inconclusive. Further, there is a lack of research examining possible mechanisms through which the effect of sexual assault on evaluations of self-construct (i.e. self-esteem and body esteem) can be buffered. As such, there were two aims of the current study: (1) to add to and improve upon the inconsistent extant literature examining the relationship between sexual assault and body esteem, and (2) to prospectively examine the possible moderating effects of healthy lifestyle variables (exercise frequency, healthy eating, sleep quality and a composite measure of healthy lifestyle) on the relationship between sexual assault and functioning at Time 2. Results from a sample of 280 college women indicated that women who reported a history of sexual assault also reported poorer self-esteem and body esteem, greater body dissatisfaction and more trauma symptomatology than women who reported no history of sexual assault. Additionally, exercise frequency moderated the relationship between sexual assault and self-esteem, such that for women who experienced sexual assault over the 8-week interim only those who reported higher exercise frequencies at Time 1 reported a greater decrease in self-esteem from Time 1 to Time 2 than did those who reported lower exercise frequencies at Time 1. Sleep quality and healthy eating habits did not moderate the relationship between sexual assault and any of the Time 2 functioning variables. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Committee: Christine A. Gidycz PhD (Advisor); Jeffrey Vancouver PhD (Committee Member); Timothy Anderson PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2008, Counseling Psychology

The relationship between body dissatisfaction and the development of disordered eating has been widely studied in psychology (e.g., Steiner-Adair, 1986; Streigel-Moore, Silberstein, & Rodin, 1986). This research has documented the apparent link between sociocultural pressures (from media and interpersonal relationships) and eating pathology. Stice (1994) developed the Sociocultural Model of Bulimia (SMB), positing that this relationship would be mediated by internalization of the thin ideal body presented in U.S. culture, and body dissatisfaction. Stice and other researchers hypothesized that some factors may interrupt this link at different points within the SMB. However, this literature has, to a large extent, neglected to examine potential resistance factors that women can actively learn and use to resist internalization and/or body dissatisfaction (Twamley & Davis, 1999). The studies that did address the role of active resistance factors within the SMB had two major problems: defining and measuring these resistance factors.The present study used the SMB as a foundation to investigate three potential resistance factors that may moderate relationships within the SMB: self-determined non-conformity, rejection of traditional feminine gender roles, and endorsement of feminist ideals. This study was designed to improve upon the work of previous studies by using more appropriate measures of these factors and clarifying their potential moderating roles within the SMB. Two hundred fifty-seven women from a wide range of ages and backgrounds provided questionnaire data and demographic information. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to establish whether or not these three factors moderated the relationship between sociocultural pressures and internalization and/or the relationship between internalization and body dissatisfaction within the SMB, and to test gender roles as a mediator of the relationship between sociocultural pressures and internalization. Re (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: David Tokar PhD (Advisor) Subjects: Psychology

MA, Kent State University, 2013, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences

GALIOTO, RACHEL, M.A. MAY 2013 PSYCHOLOGY THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO SLENDER AND MUSCULAR IMAGES ON MALE BODY DISSATISFACTION (85 pp.) Director of Thesis: Janis H. Crowther The present study examined the effects of appearance-based comparisons to muscular and slender idealized male bodies on body dissatisfaction and the contribution of internalization and social comparison to change in body dissatisfaction. Drive for leanness and drive for muscularity were examined as moderators for each condition. Participants were 95 male undergraduates who provided demographic information and completed measures assessing body dissatisfaction, the drive for muscularity, the drive for leanness, internalization, and social comparison. They viewed seven images of either muscular or slender men in advertisements or product-only advertisements. Results indicated that exposure to both muscular and slender media images was associated with an increase in body dissatisfaction; however, there was no change in body dissatisfaction for the product-only condition. Results further indicated that there were no significant differences in the change in body dissatisfaction for the two media image conditions. A series of hierarchical linear regressions indicated that social comparison was a significant predictor of a change in body dissatisfaction for the muscular condition only. Neither the drive for leanness nor the drive for muscularity emerged as a moderator in either condition. These findings demonstrated that even very brief exposure to both slender and muscular media images may impact a man's body dissatisfaction. Importantly, a novel finding of this research was that exposure to slender images was associated with a similar amount of change in body dissatisfaction as exposure to muscular images. These results support the examination of media literacy interventions with this population.

Committee: Janis Crowther PhD (Advisor); John Gunstad PhD (Committee Member); Mary Beth Spitznagel PhD (Committee Member); John Updegraff PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychobiology

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2024, Psychology

Asian American men may have body image concerns related to masculinity expectations, attraction ideals, negative body image, and drive for Western masculinity (Liao et al., 2020). Adherence to masculine norms may be rooted in expectations, cultural norms, and gender roles emphasized in Asian households (Ai et al., 2021; Chang & Subramaniam, 2008; Kramer et al., 2002; Lipson et al., 1996; Liu & Iwamoto, 2006). The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between conformity to Western masculinity norms, body dissatisfaction, and depression among Asian and Asian American men. Data were collected from 150 Asian and Asian-American men living in the United States (M age = 32.03 years, SD = 9.40; range = 18 to 64 years). Participants identified their ethnic background as Chinese (28.7%), followed by Korean (14.0%), Vietnamese (13.3%), Indian (12.7%), Filipino (12.0%), Multiethnic (8.7%), Japanese (4.0%), Other (4.0%), Bangladeshi (2.0%), and Lao (0.7%). Results indicated that conformity to the Winning and Violence masculinity norms were not significantly correlated with depression, whereas conformity to the Playboy and Self-Reliance masculinity norms were significantly positively correlated with depression. Despite winning masculine norm conformity not being related to depression, the results of this study indicated that male body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between Winning masculine norm conformity and depression. Potential explanations and implications of this study are discussed, and directions for future research are presented.

Committee: Stacey Raj (Advisor); Jennifer Phillips (Committee Member); Heather McCarren (Committee Member) Subjects: Asian Studies; Clinical Psychology; Gender; Mental Health; Minority and Ethnic Groups

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2023, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Research focusing on body dissatisfaction and its contributing factors, such as internalization of body shape ideals (i.e., thin-ideal and muscular-ideal), remains sparse among women in middle adulthood. Furthermore, social life roles (i.e., parental and marital status) and achievements (i.e., educational attainment), typically substantiated in middle adulthood, may represent important factors that moderate the relationship between internalization of body shape ideals and body dissatisfaction among women in middle adulthood. The present thesis sought to examine the association between internalization of body shape ideals (i.e., thin-ideal and muscular-ideal) and body dissatisfaction in a sample of women in middle adulthood. This study also sought to examine whether social roles (i.e., marital status, parental status, and educational status) moderate the association between internalization of body shape ideals (i.e., thin-ideal and muscular-ideal) and body dissatisfaction among women in middle adulthood. Analyses were conducted utilizing cross-sectional data of 349 women in middle adulthood (mean (SD) age=50.17 (9.61) years; age range=35-65 years) who completed assessments evaluating for thin-ideal internalization, muscular-ideal internalization, and body dissatisfaction. Models for moderation were examined with age and BMI as covariates. Higher levels of thin-ideal internalization and muscular-ideal internalization were associated with greater levels of body dissatisfaction among women in middle adulthood, above and beyond age and BMI. However, the association between muscular-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction was diminished without BMI in the model, suggesting statistical suppression. Neither marital status and parental status significantly interacted with body-shape ideal internalization in predicting body dissatisfaction. Education status significantly interacted with thin-ideal internalization, but not muscular-ideal internalization, in predicting b (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: K. Jean Forney (Advisor); Darcey Allan (Committee Member); Julie Suhr (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2023, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

The internalization of socioculturally influenced body ideals, including thin ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma, is consistently associated with body dissatisfaction, yet the independent contributions of thin ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma to body dissatisfaction are unknown. The purpose of this thesis was to examine whether internalized weight stigma contributes to body dissatisfaction above and beyond the effects of thin ideal internalization, and to test if body mass index (BMI) moderates the relationship between thin ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma. The third aim was to examine whether the unique contributions of thin ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma vary by BMI. Data come from 450 university students (80.8% female, 86.1% white) who completed surveys for partial course credit. Both thin ideal internalization (β = 0.20, p < .01) and internalized weight stigma (β = 0.63, p < .01) were associated with body dissatisfaction in mutually adjusted models. However, the relationship between thin ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma did not differ by BMI (β = 0.00, p = .79). Results suggest that thin ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma are independent correlates of body dissatisfaction, regardless of weight status. Thin ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma are distinct constructs that should both be targeted in the prevention and treatment of body dissatisfaction.

Committee: Jean Forney (Advisor); Kim Rios (Committee Member); Darcey Allan (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2022, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Food and alcohol disturbance, or “FAD,” involves compensatory behaviors (e.g., food restriction, self-induced vomiting, laxative use, diuretic use, exercise) intended to compensate for the caloric value of alcohol and/or to increase the intoxication effects of alcohol. FAD is linked to dangerous health consequences, such as blackouts and injury, and appears prevalent in college populations. However, due to FAD's recent introduction into empirical literature, relatively little is known regarding these potentially dangerous behaviors. In particular, there is a lack of research examining the temporal antecedents and consequences associated with FAD, which is crucial for clarifying clinical significance and identifying treatment targets. The current project addressed existing limitations by examining the temporal antecedents associated with compensatory FAD, evaluating compensatory FAD's utility as an emotion regulation strategy, and investigating the psychological distress and impairment temporally linked to compensatory FAD. Specifically, this study investigated: 1) if increases in negative affect, body dissatisfaction, and impulsivity precede compensatory FAD and if compensatory FAD is associated with greater alcohol quantity; 2) whether compensatory FAD is an effective strategy to regulate negative affect and body dissatisfaction; and 3) if engagement in compensatory FAD is prospectively associated with subsequent psychological distress and impairment. Approximately 30 adult women who engage in compensatory FAD completed an ecological momentary assessment protocol for three weeks. Results demonstrated that negative affect, body dissatisfaction, and impulsivity did not increase in the hours prior to compensatory FAD, nor did negative affect and body dissatisfaction decrease in the hours following FAD. Alcohol quantity also did not significantly differ across days when compensatory FAD was endorsed, relative to drinking days when compensatory FAD was not endorsed. Fin (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: K. Jean Forney (Advisor); Brian Wymbs (Committee Member); Nicholas Allan (Committee Member); Kate Hibbard-Gibbons (Committee Member); Berkeley Franz (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Psychology

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Wright State University, 2019, School of Professional Psychology

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between perceived sociocultural pressures and internalization of the thin ideal and to determine whether or not high levels of feminist identity development moderate this relationship. The study also investigated the relationship between internalization of the thin ideal and body dissatisfaction and whether or not high levels of feminist identity development moderated the relationship. Two multiple hierarchical regression analyses were performed using data collected from a female undergraduate student sample (N=403) from Wright State University. These data were derived from a survey containing the Perceived Sociocultural Pressure Scale (PSPS; Stice & Argas, 1998), the Body Stereotype Scale-Revised (IBSS-R; Stice, Marti, Spoor, Presnell, & Shaw, 2008), the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BASS-R; Petrie, Tripp, & Harvey, 2002), and the Feminist Identity Development Scale (FIDS; Bargad & Hyde, 1991). Findings showed that while pressures and internalization and internalization and body dissatisfaction were significantly and positively correlated, high levels of feminist identity development did not moderate the strength of these relationships. The findings of this study indicate that future research is necessary to pinpoint specific aspects of feminist identity that may serve to protect women from internalization and/or the development of body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, this study highlighted that further research is necessary in order to better understand how and why women with higher levels of feminist identity development tend to perceive more sociocultural pressure to be thin than their less feminist counterparts.

Committee: Jeremiah Schumm Ph.D (Committee Chair); Daniela Burnworth Ph.D (Committee Member); Cheryl Meyer Ph.D (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology; Social Psychology

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2018, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education

This dissertation consists of two studies. Study one explored qualitatively the uses and perceptions of fitspiration pages on social networking sites in college women. Study two examined relationships between exercise behaviors, body dissatisfaction, use of fitspiration pages on social networking sites and appearance motivation for exercise. Study One Abstract Background. Social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) are a popular way of spending time online, and “fitspiration” pages, or pages dedicated to fitness inspiration, are becoming increasingly present. This exploratory study sought to learn more about the ways in which college women used fitspiration pages on social networking sites, and their perceptions of these pages. Methods. A focus group of six female college students discussed fitspiration pages. Results. Four themes emerged from the data: fitspiration pages are not always believable, fitspiration pages can promote body acceptance, fitspiration pages can be motivating or de-motivating, and there are many reasons for using fitspiration pages. Discussion. Participants reported that pages could be useful. They placed trust in pages that depicted models who looked “real”, presenting women of many body types. Results provided insight into the ways fitspiration is used by college women. Future studies should explore ways in which viewing fitspiration pages influence health behaviors. Study Two Abstract Background. Previous research has identified a relationship between viewing fitspiration pages, body dissatisfaction and appearance-motivated exercise. This study explored the relations among demographic factors, use of fitspiration pages, body dissatisfaction, BMI, number of days exercised in a week, and appearance motivation. Methods. A survey was developed and administered to college students. Results. About half (n = 204) of the students viewed fitspiration pages, typically for about one to ten minutes daily. Those s (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Laura Nabors Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Amy Bernard Ph.D. (Committee Member); Rebecca Vidourek Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Education

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2016, Psychology

Previous research on embodied cognition suggested that physically disposing as opposed to physically retaining written thoughts results in using those thoughts less when forming attitudes. Accordingly, creating distance between oneself and one's positive thoughts can increase negative attitude evaluations. The focus of this study was to examine whether being mindful of positive thoughts would have similar unintended negative consequences regarding body dissatisfaction. Participants were 198 undergraduate students assigned to one of four conditions: mindfulness, thought disposal, thought protection, or control. After a brief intervention of mindfulness, physically disposing, physically retaining, or spell checking written thoughts, participants completed self-rating measures of body dissatisfaction. Results indicated no effect of intervention condition on measures of body dissatisfaction. Although the results showed that a brief mindfulness induction and physically manipulating positive thoughts did not influence body dissatisfaction ratings, future research may investigate the malleability of specific attitudes. Perhaps attitudes that are yet to be formed on novel topics are more malleable than attitudes that were previously formed on familiar topics.

Committee: Cynthia Dulaney Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Christine Dacey Ph.D. (Committee Member); Nicholas Salsman Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2016, Psychology

Increased body dissatisfaction has been shown to be predicted by exposure to thin ideal images in the media and by internalization of the thin ideal. Recently, studies have indicated that exposure to thin ideal images on social media sites on the Internet is related to body dissatisfaction. Given that such research utilizing social media is very limited, the current study examined the effects of exposure to Pinterest social media images and internalization of the thin ideal on body dissatisfaction in college women. The college female participants (N = 178) completed a measure to determine level of internalization (low or high) and then were exposed to either thin ideal, body positive, or neutral images presented through Pinterest. Following the intervention, a measure of body dissatisfaction was completed. An ANOVA indicated a main effect for internalization on body dissatisfaction. There was no main effect for the media condition and no interaction effect. Additional post-hoc analyses, limitations, and implications are provided.

Committee: Christine Dacey Ph.D., ABPP (Advisor); Cynthia Dulaney Ph.D. (Committee Member); Jennifer Gibson Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Mass Media; Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2007, Psychology

Although the research on disordered eating and body image dissatisfaction among European American women is burgeoning, knowledge about eating disorder (ED) symptomatology among African American women is still limited. In order to provide effective treatment and prevention programs, it is imperative to investigate risk and protective factors of ED symptomatology among diverse groups of women. Racist and sexist discrimination have been conceptualized by scholars as putative predictors of disordered eating and body image dissatisfaction, whereas positive cultural and gender identities have been postulated as potential protective factors against ED symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction among African American women. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was threefold: 1) to examine the relations between racist discrimination, sexist discrimination, ethnic identity, feminist identity, ED symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction; 2) to investigate whether discrimination predicts ED symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction; and 3) to determine whether ethnic and feminist identities moderate (i.e., buffer) the relations between the proposed predictor and criterion variables within a sample (N = 302) of university-affiliated, African American women. The primary hypotheses were as follows: 1) higher levels of discrimination would predict higher levels of ED symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction; 2) higher levels of ethnic identity and feminist identity would predict lower levels of disordered eating and body image dissatisfaction; and 3) ethnic and feminist identities would individually and collectively moderate the relations between discrimination and ED symptomatology and between discrimination and body image dissatisfaction. As expected, higher levels of ethnogender discrimination significantly predicted higher levels of ED symptomatology. Unexpectedly, higher levels of ethnogender discrimination did not predict higher levels of body image (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Nancy Betz (Advisor) Subjects: Psychology, Clinical