Prevalence of self-objectification among Northern Kentucky students
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Northern Kentucky University
Abstract
Past research indicates self-objectification – viewing oneself as an object or collection of body parts – can lead to
depression, body-shaming, and eating disorders. This study identifies the prevalence of self-objectification among
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) students and student awareness of engaging in self-objectifying behaviors.
One hundred twenty surveys were administered to NKU students on campus. Students answered questions designed
to measure awareness of self-objectification and actual engagement in self-objectifying behaviors. Prevalence of
self-objectification among students was found to be high, while awareness was found to be low. Female students had
significantly higher rates of self-objectification (96.6%) compared with male students (77.8%). Female students were
also more likely to engage in body or body-part comparison (86.2%) compared to male students (59.3%). Understanding
the prevalence of self-objectification can offer insight into reasons behind record-high rates of depression
among college students and can lead to more effective treatment interventions. Findings can also help to inform
future research and policy.
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Objectification (Social psychology), College students Psychology Study and teaching