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Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Vol. 34, No. 2, 288-301 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0146167207310457
© 2008 Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.

Victoria's Dirty Secret: How Sociocultural Norms Influence Adolescent Girls and Women

Erin J. Strahan

Wilfrid Laurier University, estrahan{at}wlu.ca

Adèle Lafrance

Wilfrid Laurier University

Anne E. Wilson

Wilfrid Laurier University

Nicole Ethier

Wilfrid Laurier University

Steven J. Spencer

University of Waterloo

Mark P. Zanna

University of Waterloo

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.

Key Words: sociocultural norms for appearance • contingencies of self-worth • body image • media images • intervention


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