The Relationship among Self-Objectification, Emotional Regulation and Perceived Stress in University Students

Abstract

The study examined the relationship among self-objectification, emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression), and perceived stress in university students. The sample of university students (N=200) aged 19-24 was recruited. Assessment measures included demographic form, the Self-Objectification Scale (SOQ) (Fredrickson et al.,1998), the Emotional Regulation Scale (ERQ) (Gross & John, 2003), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (Cohen, 1983). Data were analyzed by using SPSS 22. The results showed that emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal) is significantly positively related to perceived stress. However, the relationship between self-objectification and perceived stress is not significant. Moreover, Regression analysis revealed that the emotional regulation(cognitive reappraisal),  and type of institute are significant predictors of perceived stress. Furthermore, emotional regulation significantly mediated the relationship between self-objectification and perceived stress. Implications are discussed.