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Related Experiment Videos

Does the work environment matter? Sexual objectification and waitresses' body dissatisfaction.

Dawn M Szymanski1, Renee Mikorski1

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, United States.

Body Image
|August 19, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Working in sexually objectifying restaurant environments is linked to increased body dissatisfaction among waitresses. This connection is explained by the internalization of the thin ideal and self-objectification, highlighting the impact of workplace conditions on body image.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Sexual objectification in the workplace is a growing concern.
  • Restaurant environments can contribute to negative body image among service workers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between sexually objectifying restaurant environments and body dissatisfaction in waitresses.
  • To investigate the mediating roles of thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification in this relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Survey data from 252 waitresses in the United States.
  • Correlational analysis to assess relationships between variables.
  • Mediation analysis to test a serial three-chain model.

Main Results:

Keywords:
Body dissatisfactionObjectificationSexismWorking conditions

Related Experiment Videos

  • Working in sexually objectifying environments positively correlated with body dissatisfaction.
  • Thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification/body surveillance serially mediated this relationship.
  • Thin-ideal internalization also showed a direct link to body dissatisfaction.

Conclusions:

  • Workplace sexual objectification significantly impacts waitresses' body image.
  • Internalization of societal ideals and self-surveillance are key psychological mechanisms.
  • Addressing working conditions is crucial for improving waitresses' body image concerns.