The role of spirituality in self-objectification and disordered eating in college women

Spirituality and purpose in life have been associated with positive mental health outcomes. This study examined the effects of spirituality, religiousness, and purpose in life on self-objectification and disordered eating. Specifically, it was hypothesized that self-objectification and disordered eating would be directly linked. Higher scores on measures of spirituality (purpose in life and spiritual experiences) would be associated with lower scores on measures of disordered eating. Higher scores on measures of extrinsic religiousness would be associated with higher scores on measures of disordered eating. Women, ages 18 to 25, enrolled in college (N= 161) participated. Results supported a relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating. In addition, results suggest that women who have less purpose in their lives displayed more disordered eating patterns. These findings suggest that a sense of purpose in life may be a key dimension of spirituality that is associated with eating disturbance.