Victoria's dirty secret: how sociocultural norms influence adolescent girls and women

Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
Erin J StrahanMark P Zanna

Abstract

The present studies tested whether the salience of sociocultural norms for ideal appearance leads women to base their self-worth more strongly on appearance, which in turn leads them to feel more concerned with others' perceptions and less satisfied with their bodies. Study 1 tested this model by manipulating the salience of the sociocultural norm among female university students. The model was supported. In Study 2 an intervention challenging the legitimacy of the sociocultural norm was delivered to female and male adolescents. Compared to controls, females who received this intervention were less accepting of the sociocultural norms for appearance, based their self-worth less strongly on appearance, and in turn were less concerned with others' perceptions and were more satisfied with their bodies. The implications for women are discussed.

References

Jan 1, 1995·The International Journal of Eating Disorders·L J HeinbergS Stormer
Jan 1, 1993·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology·J CrockerB Major
May 1, 1996·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology·D CohenN Schwarz
Nov 30, 2000·Psychological Medicine·S B Austin
Aug 8, 2001·Psychological Review·J Crocker, C T Wolfe
Feb 9, 2002·The International Journal of Eating Disorders·Lisa M GroeszSarah K Murnen
Nov 1, 2003·Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology : the Official Journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists·S L HarterG W Harter
Apr 9, 2004·Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin·Heather PatrickC Raymond Knee
Jan 6, 2006·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology·Steven J SpencerGeoffrey T Fong

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Mar 9, 2011·Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research : a Publication of Dietitians of Canada = Revue Canadienne De La Pratique Et De La Recherche En Diététique : Une Publication Des Diététistes Du Canada·Christie S Urquhart, Tanis V Mihalynuk
Apr 23, 2013·Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing·Shelley SpurrKeith Walker
Mar 17, 2016·Journal of Sex Research·L Monique Ward
Sep 6, 2014·Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin·Jordan B LeitnerJames M Jones
Aug 8, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Ruth KazigaSusan Kools

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.