Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Committee Director

Kristin E. Heron

Committee Member

Sarah J. Ehlke

Committee Member

Miguel Padilla

Abstract

Objectification theory posits that being sexually objectified by others leads to a greater likelihood of engaging in body surveillance behaviors, which in turn is associated with higher body shame (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). Prior research has identified both objectification and anti-bisexual discrimination as significant predictors of body surveillance and body shame among bi+ women (i.e., bisexual, pansexual, queer) (Brewster et al., 2014; Salim et al., 2024). No studies, however, have considered the unique experiences of romantically partnered bi+ women, including the potential moderating effects of partner gender and relationship type. The present study examined whether romantic relationships are protective for bi+ women, and how partner gender and relationship type influence associations between objectification, anti-bisexual discrimination, body surveillance, and body shame. 436 bi+ women in romantic relationships completed self-report questionnaires measuring their experiences with objectification, anti bisexual discrimination, body surveillance, and body shame. Data were analyzed using two-way factorial ANCOVAS and moderated step-wise regressions. Results showed bi+ women married to women reported significantly higher anti-bisexual discrimination compared to those in non marital relationships with women and those married to men. Bi+ women married to women also reported higher body surveillance and body shame than those married to men. Bi+ women in non-marital relationships with men reported significantly higher body surveillance than those married to men. No differences in objectification were observed among groups. The overall model for body surveillance was non-significant, meaning higher objectification was not significantly associated with higher body surveillance and predictors were not evaluated for dominance. Higher anti-bisexual discrimination was associated with higher body shame, but neither partner gender nor relationship type significantly moderated this association. BMI and anti-bisexual discrimination emerged as the strongest predictors of body shame. Overall, findings suggest that romantic relationships may not be equally protective for bi+ women, and that bi+ women married to women may be especially vulnerable to body-related distress. The present study can help inform the development of couple-level intervention strategies targeting body image concerns while accounting for sexual identity-related stressors.

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.25777/cpqb-rn68

ISBN

9798197810335

ORCID

0009-0008-1447-2355

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