Self-objectification among Women Athletes and Athletic Apparel Selection

Abstract

Self-objectification can be defined as a phenomenon whereby an individual values appearance over competence. Women's self-objectification, particularly in Western societies is a normative phenomenon. This study examines self-objectification among women college athletes attending an all-women's institution. 74 women athletes at a small Midwestern university completed a four-part online Qualtrics survey. The survey included the Self-Objectification Scale, Self-Surveillance Subscale of objectified Body Consciousness (OBC) Scale, Functions of Clothing Survey, and demographic and other preferences questions. Variations in self-objectification scores were investigated across class year, sport type, and fit of upper and lower garments. Additionally, associations between self-objectification and body attitudes, clothing function, and BMI were explored. No differences across groups on self-objectification were found. Self-objectification was not found to be correlated with BMI or with various functions of clothing. However, it was positively related to the reasons for buying clothes based on fashion as well as to a preoccupation with other's perception of one's appearance. Conversely, self-objectification scores were negatively related to a woman's belief in the importance of how the body functions vs. how it appears, indicating that women in this study did not objectify their bodies. The aforementioned results are restricted to the sample of women from an all-women's institution.