Sororities and Self Image

Faculty Sponsor

Matthew Ringenberg

College

Arts and Sciences

Discipline(s)

Social Work

ORCID Identifier(s)

Kylie Foster, Kelsey Stallter

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 5-4-2017

Abstract

The American culture places a large emphasis on outward appearances and beauty. Women are specifically prone to place more value on appearance versus any other attribute. Negative self-image and body image has been a rising issue among college women. Sororities are popular college organizations that provide college women with career networking opportunities, philanthropic values, a community of friends, and a lifelong support system. However, body image disorders have been discovered as a common theme among sorority women who report that they have negative self-image. It has also been reported that being in a sorority causes a woman’s self-image to decrease compared to women who are not in a sorority (Rolnik, 2010). An online survey was used to gauge the quality of self-image of both sorority- and non-affiliated women. Based on our findings and other research, we hypothesize that one’s sorority affiliation has an affect on how one views their own self. This study explored the effects of sorority affiliation on one’s own self-image, hypothesizing that sorority affiliates would be associated with self-image.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Through the Valparaiso University Social Work Department, Kylie Foster, Emily Kunkle, and Kelsey Stallter conducted a research project entitled "Sororities and Self-Image." This study was designed to examine if there is a correlation between sorority affiliation and how women view themselves.

Kylie, Emily, and Kelsey are all social work majors. Emily and Kelsey are both members of sororities at Valparaiso University, and their interest in this topic developed from their involvement on campus.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS