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The purposes of this article are threefold: (a) to test measurement invariance of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS), a central tool for testing objectification theory, across men and women, given that measurement invariance is a prerequisite for gender comparisons; (b) to examine the mediating role of body shame in the link between body surveillance and depressive symptoms for both men and women; and (c) to investigate whether body surveillance and subsequent body shame could explain, at least in part, gender differences in depressive symptoms. Two studies were conducted with two college samples (N = 360 and 278). Results indicate that factor loadings of OBCS differed for the gender groups, revealing that body surveillance and body shame items for women and body control beliefs for men are more closely aligned with their intended latent factors. Our analyses also supported the proposed two mediation models: body shame mediated the relation between body surveillance and depressive symptoms for both gender groups; and body surveillance and related body shame mediated the gender difference in depressive symptoms. Overall our studies highlight that testing measurement invariance can expose differences in scale functioning for men and women, calling into question findings based on the use of those scales. (Contains 3 tables, 3 figures and 5 notes.)

The authors evaluated empirical research addressing the relationship between induced abortion and women's mental health. Two issues were addressed: (a) the relative risks associated with abortion compared with the risks associated with its alternatives and (b) sources of variability in women's responses following abortion. This article reflects and updates the report of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (2008). Major methodological problems pervaded most of the research reviewed. The most rigorous studies indicated that within the United States, the relative risk of mental health problems among adult women who have a single, legal, first-trimester abortion of an unwanted pregnancy is no greater than the risk among women who deliver an unwanted pregnancy. Evidence did not support the claim that observed associations between abortion and mental health problems are caused by abortion per se as opposed to other preexisting and co-occurring risk factors. Most adult women who terminate a pregnancy do not experience mental health problems. Some women do, however. It is important that women's varied experiences of abortion be recognized, validated, and understood. (Contains 4 footnotes.)

In a qualitative investigation of young feminists' experience of body consciousness, 25 feminist women each participated in one of 6 focus groups examining the ways they experienced body image and negotiated cultural messages about women's appearance. Participants described their experience with objectification and its impact on their body image, sense of self, and relationships with other women. Although feminism provided an alternative way to understand cultural messages and reframe negative thoughts, this understanding did not necessarily affect aesthetic reactions. Participants experienced conflict between their feminist "beliefs" and their "feelings" about beauty ideals and their own appearance. This conflict is interpreted in terms of a mere exposure effect and existing genderpower relations. Suggestions of ways feminist psychologists can support young women's strategies for resisting negative cultural messages are provided.

Reviews the characteristics of academic women in psychology, detailing what is known about women's participation in various academic roles, describing their successes in those roles, and discussing obstacles to their success in psychology as a discipline and in the academe more broadly. Recommendations for enhancing women's success in academia are appended. (Contains references.) (SM)

Discusses the lives of women of color, illustrating diversity-minded feminist principles that may inform research and program development related to other aspects of diversity. Notes perspectives and priorities of women of color in psychology. Considers why implementing feminist psychology's inclusive vision for research is a continuing struggle, particularly regarding poor women, identifying contributions of feminist research on minority women that relate to Decade of Behavior goals. (Contains references.) (SM)

Asserts that the Decade of Behavior goals to foster a healthier, better educated, more prosperous and democratic nation cannot be achieved without contributions from feminist psychology. Outlines challenges gender poses to achieving Decade goals and discusses principles for research to address them: inclusiveness and diversity, context, power and privilege, and activism. Discusses the limitations of traditional research and describes new research models, stressing the need for activism. (Contains references.) (SM)

This special issue documents women's contributions to, and the impact of feminist critiques on, the discipline of psychology and its organization. Reviewing the social, political, and historical contexts of psychological theories and practice, these 15 articles document the ways feminist critiques are beginning to transform the field. (SLD)

Discusses gender differences in mental disorder. Presents a research agenda for women's mental health research in the following areas: (1) diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders; (2) mental health issues for older women; (3) multiple roles; and (4) poverty. Discusses gender bias in research. (JS)

Reproductive technologies raise a host of social and legal issues that challenge basic values and create intense controversy. If researchers wish to inform public policies related to reproductive technologies, they must understand how the scientific enterprise is being manipulated and research findings are being misrepresented to justify a particular social agenda and restrict access to contraception and abortion. To counter these distortions, scientists must defend the science advisory process, be involved in dissemination of their research findings beyond simple publication in scientific journals, and actively work to ensure that the findings are not misrepresented to the public.

Unwanted pregnancy and abortion are common life events, and therapists are likely to work with clients who experience them. Legal abortion currently entails little physical or mental health risk; most women currently cope effectively with these life events without need of clinical intervention. But current abortion politics include efforts to make abortion a more threatening, stressful, and stigmatized experience and to create a 'postabortion syndrome.' Using a stress and coping framework, we examine how antiabortion activists spread myths and misinformation aimed fit women's appraisal processes, and discuss approaches therapists can use to enhance women's strategies for coping with abortion. We also discuss specific issues and useful techniques for counseling about abortion concerns, including cultural sensitivity and strategies for promoting positive sexual health. KEYWORDS. Abortion, postabortion syndrome, unwanted pregnancy, pregnancy termination, abortion counseling

This special section on international perspectives in psychology focuses on population issues and reproductive behavior across national and cultural boundaries, emphasizing the responsibility of psychologists and colleagues in related disciplines to generate and communicate culturally mindful findings likely to shape public health policy and improve human well-being. After considering the historical and policy context, it highlights internationally collaborative research projects in the Czech Republic, Egypt, Mexico, and the United States that address reproductive behavior, women's roles and status, responsible parenthood, and abortion legislation in terms of cultural context, gender equity, the needs of adolescents, and public health policy. The articles illustrate the importance of the cultural context within which psychological research is conducted and how psychology can be informed by international perspectives.

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Assn is not entirely exclusionary and should not be confused as such. The manual is basically a style manual, which means that it is reflective of the practices of the field and attempts to represent a consensus on the most effective ways to present psychological theories and findings. Since the manual is expected to reflect the field, it is only natural that it contain articles that mostly deal with empirical studies.