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Dressed for Respect? An Investigation of Religiosity, Body Image and Modesty Among Christian Women

Blackwell, Chelsea Rebecca
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9492-8269
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461168061

Abstract Details

2016, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Human Ecology: Fashion and Retail Studies.
In the western world, questions pertaining to modesty such as how much skin can one reveal or not reveal are being asked since it is seen heavily in the media and celebrity culture. As a function of dress, modesty is concerned with the concealing of oneself and the body (Flugel, 1930). This function has an impact on body image especially since most women experience normative discontent or a regular dissatisfaction with their appearance (Rodin, Silberstein, & Striegel-Moore, 1984). Researchers have actively been looking for ways to relieve poor body image, which include ways religious identity improves body satisfaction (Boyatzis, Kline, & Backof, 2007; Mahoney et al., 2005). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of Christian identity on modesty and how modesty in many forms influenced body image. Using the social identity theory approach, Christian identity was conceptualized as a group identity, which had norms including modesty and beliefs about the body (Hogg & Reid, 2006; Tajfel & Turner, 1986; Terry & Hogg, 1996). These norms influenced definitions of modesty, which has been conceptualized in multiple ways including concealment, respect, purity, and humility (Andrews, 2011; Hahner & Varda, 2012). Body image and appearance has linkages to self-objectification(Fallon, 1990; McKinley & Hyde, 1996a). Through connecting these concepts of Christian identity, modesty, and body image, a model was developed. An online survey (n=428) with snowball sampling of Christian adult women was conducted to measure these concepts. It was hypothesized that Christian identity through religious orientation would positively impact modesty, which would then positively impact body image. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling was used to determine the validity and significant pathways of the model. It was found that the social aspect of extrinsic religious orientation impacted several types of modesty including contextual and esteem modesty. Religious beliefs about the body and personal values such as prayer positively influenced religious or respect driven modesty. These types of modesty had an effect on body image such as appearance evaluation and body surveillance. These findings suggested when rooted in Christian identity, modesty functioned as a filter and armor. When the social identity is highlighted, modesty filters out what is important when monitoring the body and evaluating appearance. When personal values and beliefs about the body are emphasized, modesty is armor or a defense against negative body messages. Recommendations for future research include investigating modesty and body shame as well as studying the impact of modesty on social media presentation.
Nancy A. Rudd, PhD (Advisor)
Seo Soobin, PhD (Committee Member)
Bujisic Milos, PhD (Committee Member)
139 p.
Religion; Social Psychology; Womens Studies
modesty, religious identity, Christian women, body image

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Blackwell, C. R. (2016). Dressed for Respect? An Investigation of Religiosity, Body Image and Modesty Among Christian Women [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461168061

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Blackwell, Chelsea. Dressed for Respect? An Investigation of Religiosity, Body Image and Modesty Among Christian Women. 2016. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461168061.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Blackwell, Chelsea. "Dressed for Respect? An Investigation of Religiosity, Body Image and Modesty Among Christian Women." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461168061

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1461168061
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.