Group Of College Women Research Articles

Sexual Assault Among College Women: The Role of Survivor Acknowledgment, Rape Myth Acceptance, Weight Bias, and Body Appreciation.

Approximately one in five college women experience a sexual assault (SA), though a meaningful percentage of survivors do not acknowledge or label their experience as such. Research indicates that acknowledgment status is often influenced by how closely SA incidents align with the "real rape" script and degree of survivor rape myth acceptance (RMA). However, studies evaluating acknowledgment paired with other attitudes and health outcomes among survivors is sparse. The current study examined the relation between acknowledgment status, RMA, weight-related constructs, and psychological well-being among three groups of college women (N = 584): non-survivors, unacknowledged survivors, and acknowledged survivors. Findings indicate that, among survivors, acknowledged compared to unacknowledged SA is significantly associated with diminished body appreciation, self-esteem, and increased internalized weight bias, though no differences in psychological distress were found.

Gendered Sexuality in Young Adulthood

Current work on hooking up—or casual sexual activity on college campuses—takes an individualistic, “battle of the sexes” approach and underestimates the importance of college as a classed location. The authors employ an interactional, intersectional approach using longitudinal ethnographic and interview data on a group of college women’s sexual and romantic careers. They find that heterosexual college women contend with public gender beliefs about women’s sexuality that reinforce male dominance across both hookups and committed relationships. The four-year university, however, also reflects a privileged path to adulthood. The authors show that it is characterized by a classed self-development imperative that discourages relationships but makes hooking up appealing. Experiences of this structural conflict vary. More privileged women struggle to meet gender and class guidelines for sexual behavior, placing them in double binds. Less privileged women find the class beliefs of the university foreign and hostile to their sexual and romantic logics.

Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating among College Women in China, South Korea, and the United States: Contrasting Predictions from Sociocultural and Feminist Theories

Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating were compared across groups of college women from China ( n = 109), South Korea ( n = 137), and the United States ( n = 102). Based on cultural differences in the amount of exposure to Western appearance standards, particularly the thin-body ideal, sociocultural theory ( Thompson, Heinberg, Altabe, & Tantleff-Dunn, 1999 ) would predict that body dissatisfaction and disordered eating would be highest in the U.S. sample and lowest in the Chinese sample. In contrast, based on the speed and pervasiveness of changes in women's roles, feminist theory ( Bordo, 1993 ; Jeffreys, 2005 ) would predict that body dissatisfaction and disordered eating would be highest in the Korean sample and lowest in the U.S. sample. Multidimensional measures indicated the highest levels of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in the Korean sample and the lowest levels in the U.S. sample, indicating that predictions derived from feminist theory were a better fit to the data than predictions derived from sociocultural theory. Results indicated that theoretical understandings of body dissatisfaction must recognize not only differences between Western and non-Western cultures, but also differences among non-Western cultures.

Predictors of Career Indecision in Three Racial/Ethnic Groups of College Women

This study examines the contributions of career-related barrier and social support perceptions, barrier-related coping beliefs, and career decision-making self-efficacy beliefs to the prediction of career indecision in three racial/ethnic groups of college women. Results indicate that although there are no racial/ethnic differences across scores on most of the key measures, African American women perceive significantly greater career barriers than do either White or Hispanic women. Separate within-racial/ethnic group regressions of career indecision scores indicate that the full model collectively accounted for substantial amounts of criterion variance (range of R2 = .31 to .47), although the pattern of predictor contributions varies somewhat across the three groups.

Changes in Body Composition of College Females Following 12 Weeks of Concurrent Aerobic Dance Exercise and Resistance Training

Separately, aerobic and resistance training programs have resulted in positive effects on body composition. One latest exercise trend focuses on combining aerobic and resistance training components in one exercise session. Current aerobic dance classes often incorporate aerobic and resistance training elements, thus qualifying as concurrent training. Physiological effects of concurrent training and effects of the order of this training, specifically on body composition, have largely been unexplored. PURPOSE: To identify changes in body composition, utilizing air displacement plethysmography, of two groups of college women following twelve weeks of concurrent training with different sequencing of training. METHODS: Forty-eight female students were assigned to one of two groups. The first group (RA), 32 females (20 +/− 2 yrs) participated in a class that began with a 5–10 minute warm-up, 5–10 minutes of resistance training, utilizing exercise bands, followed by 20–30 minutes of aerobic training. The second group (AR), 16 females (20 +/−2 yr) participated in a class that began with a 5–10 minute warm-up, 20–30 minutes of aerobic training then 5–10 minutes of resistance training, utilizing exercise bands. Subjects participated in classes 3 days a week for 12 weeks. Body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography with predicted residual volumes pre- and post-study. Independent t-tests were used to determine significant differences between the RA and AR groups as a result of concurrent training. Dependent t-tests were used to determine pre-post changes for the experimental groups. RESULTS: When groups (RA & AR) were combined and analyzed, a significant difference was found in percent body fat (pre, 30.86±6.22 vs. post, 29.87±6.58%, p < 0.05) and lean body mass (pre, 91.35±9.56 vs. 92.19±9.57lbs., p < 0.05). In addition, when comparing differences within each group, both RA and AR groups showed significant differences in percent body fat and fat weight (RA percent body fat pre, 31.39±7.00 vs. post, 30.47±7.43%; RAfat weight pre, 44.48±22.18 vs. post, 43.18±22.88lbs.;AR percent body fat pre, 29.81±4.27 vs. post, 28.68±4.41%; AR fat weight pre, 38.90±10.18 vs. post, 37.30±10.06lbs.; p < 0.05). However, when comparing the two groups for differences in the sequence of training effect on physiological factors, no significant differences were found with any variable. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of concurrent aerobic and resistance training in college-age females resulted in increased lean weight and decreased percent body fat. However, no differences were found for the sequencing effect on physiological factors.

The Relationship Between Objectified Body Consciousness and Wellness in a Group of College Women

Objectified body consciousness theory provides a framework for understanding young women's negative body experiences and their impact on well‐being. This study examined the impact of body surveillance, body shame, and appearance control beliefs, the 3 components of objectified body consciousness, on wellness in college women. Data indicated a negative relationship between body surveillance and body shame and several components of wellness and a positive relationship between appearance control beliefs and aspects of wellness. Implications are examined.

Health and Beauty Magazine Reading and Body Shape Concerns among a Group of College Women

Research indicates that exposure to thin ideal images in women's magazines is associated with heightened concerns for body shape and size in a number of young women, although the media's role in the psychopathology of body image disturbance is generally believed to be mediated by personality and sociocultural factors. Here, data from a survey of 340 college-age women (ages 18–25) were used to test a structural equation model that examined three potential factors—hope, beliefs about men's expectations for female thinness, and expected weight gain or loss in five years—that might mediate the relationship between reading women's magazines and body shape and size concerns. The study found health and fitness magazine reading was linked directly to body shape concerns as well as indirectly through beliefs about men's thinness expectations and to a lesser degree through expected future weight gain or loss. Beauty and fashion magazine reading, however, was linked to body shape concerns only indirectly via beliefs about men's thinness expectations. Hope was not influenced directly by reading either type of magazine, nor did it mediate the relationship between reading and body shape concerns.

The Role of Alcohol Expectancies and Alcohol Consumption Among Sexually Victimized and Nonvictimized College Women

The present study investigated alcohol expectancies, alcohol consumption, sexual assertiveness, and the number of consensual sexual partners as potential risk factors for sexual assault among three groups of college women: nonvictimized, moderately victimized, and severely victimized. Women with severe victimization histories (attempted or completed rape), compared with nonvictims, reported more consensual sexual partners, less perceived assertiveness in their ability to refuse unwanted sexual advances, greater weekly alcohol consumption, and more positive outcome expectancies for alcohol including tension reduction, sexual enhancement, and global positive change. In addition, for both victimized and nonvictimized women, consumption of alcohol and expectancies of social enhancement following alcohol use independently accounted for a significant portion of the variance of sexual activity following alcohol consumption. Findings are discussed with respect to research aimed at reducing sexual assault among women who are at highest risk for sexual violence.

Efficacy and Outcome Expectations Influence Career Exploration and Decidedness

In this multiple regression model, self‐efficacy beliefs are the best predictor of career indecision, and outcome expectations are the best predictor of exploration intentions. When indecision was entered as a predictor, it also was a significant predictor of exploration intentions—students who were less decided were also more likely to plan career exploration. Career efficacy and outcome expectations relate significantly more strongly within the group of college men than within the group of college women. Implications for social cognitive career theory and practice are discussed.

Media influences on male and female non-eating-disordered college students: A significant issue

Few studies have addressed the importance of media influence on persons who do not have an eating disorder. These persons are usually considered a control group. However, the influence of the media on non-eating-disordered females and males is a significant issue. The purpose of this study is to assess the immediate impact of very brief exposure to images taken from media on the self-consciousness and anxiety of male and female college students. There was a significant effect of looking at pictures of thin models on female participants only. In the group of college women who looked at pictures of thin female models, there were significantly higher levels of private self-consciousness, body competence, and state anxiety. For the male college students, there were no differences in self-consciousness or anxiety between those who looked at the pictures of thin male models and those who looked at control pictures.

A New Visual Image Rating Scale for Females: Correlations with Measures of Relative Fatness, Weight Dissatisfaction, and Body-Esteem

A new Visual Image Rating Scale for females was developed from a computer-reconstructed photograph to produce figures with realistic three-dimensional contour and different types of fat and muscle distribution. Correlations between choice of figures selected by a group of college women on two occasions two weeks apart gave significant test-retest stability. To estimate the construct validity of the scale in assessing body satisfaction, at the time the scale was first administered 77 undergraduate women were asked to select the figure closest to their current physique and to complete the Body-esteem Scale. Figure selection was highly correlated with relative fatness as measured by Body Mass Index and with scores on the Weight Concern subscale of the Body-esteem Scale. The utility of the scale for women of color or for women of a wider range of age and socioeconomic status remains to be evaluated.

Effect of social feedback on learning rate and cognitive distortions among women with bulimia

A group of college women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa and past depression ( n = 15) were compared to women with no bulimia and past depression ( n = 46) and women with no bulimia and no past depression ( n = 88) on their rate of learning and cognitive distortions on a computerized mental maze task. Half of the participants in each group were randomly assigned to receive positive social feedback for correct responses during the learning task and half to receive negative social feed-back for errors. Participants with bulimia (and past depression) receiving negative feedback learned the task at a significantly faster rate ( p

MMPI correlates of college women who reported experiencing child/adult sexual contact with father, stepfather, or with other persons.

MMPI responses were obtained from three groups of college women (n = 171): those reporting child/adult sexual contact with father/stepfather, with other persons, and a control group reporting no such experience. A comparison of group mean MMPI validity and clinical scales showed the father/stepfather group to have several subscales elevated to clinically significant levels. None of the subscales for the other two groups were so elevated.

Self-concept, sexual knowledge and attitudes, and parental support in the sexual adjustment of women with early- and late-onset physical disability.

Three groups of college women were compared on the following dimensions: sexual experiences, sexual satisfaction, self-concept, sexual attitudes and knowledge, and parental support for sexual development. Groups were composed of women with late-onset physical disability, early-onset physical disability, and no disability. Measures utilized included an extension of the Sexual Interaction Inventory, the Tennessee Self-Concept Inventory, the Sexual Knowledge and Attitude Test, and questionnaires developed for this study. The early-onset group reported fewer current sexual experiences than did the nondisabled group. The early-onset group was dissatisfied with the frequency of sexual behavior to a greater degree than the nondisabled group. Also, both disabled groups believed that they could enjoy sexual experiences more than they did at present in contrast to the nondisabled group. There were no group differences for self-concept, though several aspects of self-concept contributed significantly to sexual adjustment for the disabled groups. No group differences were found for sexual knowledge and attitudes or parental support for sexual development, nor did these variables relate to sexual adjustment. Group differences in sexual adjustment are discussed in terms of functional, emotional, and social implications. Recommendations for further research include following the social development of women with late-onset conditions, comparing the social skills and cognitions of the two disabled groups, and assessing men who have established intimate relationships with disabled women.

Consistency of some personality measures as a function of stage of menstruation.

Two groups of college women were administered the Hand Test and selected scales from the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey. One group was tested in the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle (days 20-25); the other group at the beginning of the cycle (days 5-9). Significant differences were obtained, but the results did not corroborate earlier findings that negative personality characteristics are associated with the premenstrual phase of the cycle. The implications of the results and relevant methodological considerations are discussed.

Variations in Career Cognition Measures Among Groups of College Women

Variations in Career Cognition Measures Among Groups of College Women

Social Acceptance of Female Athletes by College Women

Abstract Two groups of college women, 120 athletes and 120 nonathletes, from Arizona State University responded to biographical sketches of four stimulus persons: college women described as high-success aspiration softball player, low-success aspiration softball player, high-success aspiration dancer, and low-success aspiration dancer. Each stimulus person was rated for degree of social acceptability on a four-item questionnaire. The results suggest that women athletes feel a strong sense of identity with other women athletes; no significant negative attitude toward women competing in team sports was detected; and there was no evidence that high aspiration detracted from the social acceptability of college women.

Effects of Coresidential Living on the Attitudes, Self-Image, and Role Expectations of College Women

The author interviewed matched groups of college women to study the effects on women of coresidential dormitory life. As compared to those in all-women's dormitories, women in the coresidential setting were found to have more satisfying relationships with both men and women, higher self-esteem, conceptions of masculinity and femininity that were less stereotyped, and more egalitarian role expectations.

Personality traits of women athletes as measured by the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule.

The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) was administered to 21 women intercollegiate athletes and scores were compared with those of a normative group of college women. Results indicated that the women athletes were significantly different on 2 of the 15 variables measured by the EPPS.

Possession of hostility and accuracy of perception of it in others: a cross-sex replication.

Abstract Replicating an earlier study with men, four groups of college women (hostile-insightful, hostile-noninsightful, friendly-insightful, friendly-noninsightful) were evaluated for accuracy of judgments of hostility regarding their dormitory sisters. The normalized mean ranking was the criterion, and the mean discrepancy between S's judgments of her peers and the group assigned value constituted her inaccuracy score. Results duplicated the earlier study with the rank order from most to least accurate being friendly-insightful, friendly-noninsightful, hostile-insightful, and hostile-noninsightful. The chief factor was objective possession of hostility while insight and the self concept appeared to have little effect. Women appear to be more accurate in perception of other women than men are in perceiving other men.