Self-objectification and depression: An integrative systematic review

BackgroundObjectification Theory positions self-objectification as a cause of depression. In particular, the authors offer Objectification Theory as a partial explanation for the higher prevalence of depression among women than men. To investigate the validity of this theory, we undertook a systematic review of quantitative studies that have investigated self-objectification as a predictor of depression.MethodsStudies were identified by searching the PsycINFO, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. Search terms were 'objectif⁎' OR 'body conscious⁎' AND 'depressi⁎' OR 'dysthymi⁎' OR 'mood disorder'. To be eligible, studies were required to be in the English-language, to include a measure of depression and a measure of self-objectification. Studies were excluded if they did not explicitly examine the association between these variables.ResultsAmong women most studies found a mediated effect for self-objectification on depression. All studies including adolescents found a direct effect. Each of the two prospective longitudinal studies found that an increase in self-objectification over time was associated with a concomitant increase in depression, suggesting a causal relationship. Among men the results were mixed.LimitationsThe review did not include a quantitative synthesis due to the heterogeneity of the included observational studies. The majority of the studies were cross-sectional precluding conclusions concerning causality. Generalisations to culturally and linguistically diverse populations must be made with caution given the limited cultural diversity within the studiesConclusionsSelf-objectification may be a useful predictor of depression, particularly among women and adolescents, and may have clinical relevance among these populations.