US Study Links Modest Dress to Lower Harassment Risks for Muslim Women

US Study Links Modest Dress to Lower Harassment Risks for Muslim Women
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A recent study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology has found that wearing the hijab may play a significant role in reducing harassment and objectification among Muslim women in the United States.

Conducted by researchers Toula Maiti and Moradi, the study titled “Muslim Women in the US and Body Image: Links Between Objectification Theory and the Hijab” surveyed 118 Muslim women.

Findings showed a negative correlation between wearing the hijab and reported experiences of sexual objectification, suggesting that modest dress may lessen exposure to such incidents.

The study further revealed that experiences of objectification were strongly linked to body surveillance, body shame, and symptoms of eating disorders, largely mediated by the adoption of cultural beauty standards.

The researchers concluded that while cultural beauty ideals remain a major factor influencing body image and related disorders, the hijab can serve as an important protective factor against the negative psychological effects of objectification.