Internalization of Media Appearance Ideals and College Women’s Intrinsic Motivation for Their Major: Indirect Effects Through Self-Objectification and Self-Surveillance

Abstract

The current study investigates the process by which the internalization of stringent appearance ideals promoted by Western media is related to intrinsic motivation for college women’s academic pursuits. This internalization of appearance ideals has many maladaptive consequences, including increased self-objectification and self-surveillance. Although previous research connects internalization of media appearance ideals, self-objectification, and self-surveillance to diminished cognitive performance, no study has examined their potential relationship with college women’s intrinsic motivation for their chosen major. College women ( N = 343) completed questionnaires related to study constructs. Path analyses indicated the internalization of appearance ideals was indirectly related to intrinsic motivation for one’s college major through trait self-objectification and subsequent self-surveillance. Specifically, the internalization of appearance ideals predicted increased trait self-objectification, which in turn predicted increased self-surveillance. This self-surveillance was subsequently associated with decreased intrinsic motivation for one’s chosen college major. Implications and future directions of findings are discussed.