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Sex Roles (2010) 63:138148 DOI 10.1007/s11199-010-9824-0
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Addressing Gender and Cultural Diversity in Body Image: Objectification Theory as a Framework for Integrating Theories and Grounding Research
Bonnie Moradi
Published online: 27 July 2010# Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010
Abstract This article discusses the promise of objectification theory as a framework for consolidating extant theories, integrating findings across the studies in the current issue, and grounding future research on body image and eating problems across diverse populations. Specifically, this article (a) provides an overview of objectification theory and describes its promise for addressing gender and cultural diversity, (b) articulates aspects of overlap and distinction between objectification theory and several other influential frameworks, (c) describes the advancements made by the research presented in this issue relative to the 15 recommendations offered in Moradi and Huangs (2008) review of the past decade of objectification theory research, and (d) concludes with suggestions for further advancements in body image research grounded in objectification theory.
Keywords Gendered body image . Objectification theory. Gender diversity. Cultural diversity. Self-objectification . Eating disorder symptomatology
Introduction
Objectification theory (Fredrickson and Roberts 1997) has been an influential framework that cuts across the literatures on body image and eating problems, psychology of women, and psychology of gender. The research presented
in this issue of Sex Roles reflects the thread of objectification theory running explicitly or implicitly through many of the articles; these articles also represent major advancements in objectification theory research. The proliferation of research on the tenets of objectification theory, as represented in this issue and in other outlets (for review see Moradi and Huang 2008), points to objectification theory as a major force in the study of body image and eating problems. This article discusses the promise of objectification theory as a framework for consolidating extant theories, integrating findings across the studies in the current issue, and grounding future research on gendered body image and eating problems across diverse populations. This article is organized to (a) provide an overview of objectification theory and describe its promise for addressing gender and cultural diversity, (b) articulate aspects of overlap and distinction between objectification theory and several other influential frameworks, (c) describe the advancements made by the research presented in this issue relative to the 15...