Sarah Murnen is a social psychologist who studies gender-related issues from a feminist, socio-cultural perspective. Specifically, Murnen examines how the status difference between women and men in American society might be developed and maintained through various gender-related behaviors. Murnen has conducted research on the relationship between the male gender role and the perpetration of sexual violence and how the female gender role is related to body dissatisfaction. She is currently interested in Objectification Theory, which states that the ubiquitous treatment of women as bodies in society, combined with a very unrealistically thin body ideal for women, leads some women to internalize objectification and become preoccupied with their appearance. This can lead to body-related problems including eating disorders. In much of her research, Murnen uses meta-analysis to statistically combine results across a large number of studies on a topic. Her teaching interests include statistics, psychology of women, research methods to study gender, and seminar on sexual violence. In addition to conducting research with students, Murnen collaborates with colleagues Linda Smolak and Michael Levine.

Areas of Expertise

Statistics, research methods, gender and social issues, sexuality

Education

Ph.D. University at Albany, State University of New York, 1988
B.S. Bowling Green State University, 1984

Selected Publications

Graff, K.*, Murnen, S. K., & Smolak, L. (2012). Too sexualized to be taken seriously? Perceptions of a girl in childlike vs. sexualizing clothing. Sex Roles, 66, 764-775.

Murnen, S. K., & Smolak, L. (2012). Social considerations related to adolescent girls' sexual empowerment: A response to Lamb and Peterson. Sex Roles, 66, 725-735.

Murnen, S. K. & Seabrook, R.* (2012). Feminist perspectives on body image and physical appearance. In T. Cash (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Body Image and Human Appearance, Vol. 1, pp. 438-443. San Diego: Academic Press.

Murnen, S. K. & Don, B. P.* (2012). Body image and gender roles. In T. Cash (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Body Image and Human Appearance, Vol. 1, pp. 128-134. San Diego: Academic Press.

Goodin, S. M.*, Van DenBurg, A.*, Murnen, S. K., & Smolak, L. (2011). "Putting on" sexiness: A content analysis of the presence of sexualizing characteristics in girls' clothing. Sex Roles, 65, 1-12.

Murnen, S. K., & Smolak, L. (in press). "I'd rather be a famous fashion model than a famous scientist." The rewards and costs of internalizing sexualization. In E. Zurbriggen and T.A. Roberts (Eds.). The Sexualization of Girls and Girlhood. Oxford University Press.

Clarke, P. M,* Murnen, S. K., & Smolak, L. (2010). Development and psychometric evaluation of a quantitative measure of ''fat talk.'' Body Image, 7, 1-7

Murnen, S. K., & Smolak, L. (2009). Are feminist women protected from body image problems? A meta-analytic review of relevant research. Sex Roles, 60, 186-197.

Murnen, S. K., & Kohlman, M. H. (2007). Athletic Participation, Fraternity Membership, and Sexual Aggression among College Men: A Meta-Analytic Review. Sex Roles, 57, 145-157.

*indicates Kenyon student

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Courses Taught

PSYC 200 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
PSYC 346 Psychology of Women
PSYC 425 Research Methods to Study Gender