Do you see what I see? The influence of self-objectification on appearance anxiety, intrinsic motivation, interoceptive awareness, and physical performance

• Published in: Body image 2021-12, Vol.39, p.53-61
• Main Authors: Dimas, Michelle A., Galway, Sarah C., Gammage, Kimberley L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Balance; Body shame; Interoceptive awareness; Intrinsic motivation; Self-objectification
• ISSN: 1740-1445; 1873-6807
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.05.010

•Outcomes linked to self-objectification in young adult women investigated.•Wearing swimsuit (versus sweater) led to higher state self-objectification.•Intrinsic motivation was negatively impacted by wearing swimsuit.•Interoceptive awareness was not impacted by wearing swimsuit.•Physical movements were restricted while wearing swimsuit. Self-objectification negatively impacts body image, mental health, and cognitive performance outcomes in women and has been correlated with poorer physical performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if trying on a swimsuit (versus a sweater) impacted state self-objectification, body shame, social physique anxiety, intrinsic motivation, bodily awareness, and physical performance in university women. Female undergraduate students (N = 52) were randomly assigned to try on either a swimsuit (objectification condition) or sweater (control condition) and complete measures of self-objectification, body shame, appearance anxiety, intrinsic motivation, and interoceptive awareness, and perform a series of balance tasks. Women in the swimsuit condition reported higher state self-objectification, body-related shame and appearance anxiety, and lower intrinsic motivation compared to women in the sweater condition. In addition, women in the swimsuit condition restricted body movements during a 1-legged stand balance task. Consistent with objectification theory, women may have made smaller physical movements in an attempt to hide or cover up the body. Findings could have implications for promoting positive experiences during physical activity for women, such as in sport, exercise or rehabilitation settings.