Self-objectification and exercise behaviors: The mediating role of social physique anxiety

Self-objectification (SO) and Social Physique Anxiety (SPA) were investigated in relation to reported exercise behaviors (EBs). A conceptual model was used in which SPA was posited as a mediating variable between SO and EBs categorized as protective or permissive. Two hundred and ninety-one women (age range = 18-74 years) completed the SO, SPA, and EB questionnaires. Women lower in SO reported exercising more, wearing more concealing exercise apparel, and preferring outdoors locations. The models were found to fit the data adequately, but only the path from SO to SPA was significant. These results reaffirm the relationship between SO and SPA, but further understanding of the potential effects of SO on behaviors involving health, body, and exercise is required.