ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3385-8092
Abstract
Objectification and its associated negative psychological consequences of self-objectification are well-established. Specifically, internalization of an observer’s perspective can lead to habitual body monitoring, negative psychological consequences, and mental health risks. Nevertheless, comparatively few studies examined physiological responses to an objectified environment. To remedy this gap, we explored the effects of an objectified environment on stress levels assessed via salivary cortisol in a single-blind experimental study of 34 undergraduate female students (Mage = 18.62, SD = 0.74). State self-objectification was manipulated by participants wearing tight, revealing exercise clothing (experimental condition; n =16) or baggy exercise attire (control condition; n =18). A mixed-subjects analysis of variance showed a significant main effect for time, where women’s pre-salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher than post-salivary cortisol levels. However, the interaction effect between time and conditions and main effect for conditions were not statistically significant. While our results are contradictory to the previous findings examining the effects of an objectified environment on heart rate, they are consistent with some of the studies on body image threat.
Recommended Citation
Dobersek, Urska; Bennett, Richard A.; Siebers, Sarah E.; and Standiford Reyes, Laurel A.
(2025)
"Psychophysiological Responses to an Objectified Environment in College-Aged Females,"
Midwest Social Sciences Journal: Vol. 27:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/2766-0796.1133
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/mssj/vol27/iss2/2
