Objectification Theory and Psychology of Women: A Decade of Advances and Future Directions

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Moradi ◽  
Yu-Ping Huang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Objectification Theory ◽  
Sexual Objectification ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
The Past ◽  
Psychology Of Women ◽  
Theory Research ◽  
Self Objectification

Fredrickson and Roberts (1997) proposed objectification theory as an integrative framework for understanding how women's socialization and experiences of sexual objectification are translated into mental health problems. This article reviews the past decade of research grounded in objectification theory and highlights needed directions for future scholarship in this area. Specifically, this article reviews research organized according to the following themes: (a) self-objectification and its proposed consequences, (b) sexual objectification experiences as a proposed precursor, and (c) disconnections from bodily functions. An overview of emerging objectification theory research with men is also provided. The review concludes with needed directions for future theoretical and research efforts aimed to advance the psychology of women.

How Sexual Objectification Generates Dehumanization in Western and Eastern Cultures

2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Wollast ◽  
Elisa Puvia ◽  
Philippe Bernard ◽  
Passagorn Tevichapong ◽  
Olivier Klein
Keyword(s):  
Social Perception ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Objectification Theory ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Sexual Objectification ◽  
Intense Pain ◽  
Eastern Cultures ◽  
Theory Research ◽  
Self Objectification ◽  
Asian Sample

Abstract. Ever since Fredrickson and Roberts (1997) proposed objectification theory, research on self-objectification and – by extension – other-objectification has experienced a considerable expansion. However, most of the studies on sexual objectification have been conducted solely in Western populations. This study investigates whether the effect of target sexualization on social perception differs as a function of culture (Western vs. Eastern). Specifically, we asked a Western sample (Belgian, N = 62) and a Southeast Asian sample (Thai, N = 98) to rate sexualized versus nonsexualized targets. We found that sexual objectification results in dehumanization in both Western (Belgium) and Eastern (Thailand) cultures. Specifically, participants from both countries attributed less competence and less agency to sexualized than to nonsexualized targets, and they reported that they would administer more intense pain to sexualized than to nonsexualized targets. Thus, building on past research, this study suggests that the effect of target sexualization on dehumanization is a more general rather than a culture-specific phenomenon.

The Gendered Body Project: Motivational Components of Objectification Theory

2012 ◽  
pp. 322-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomi-Ann Roberts ◽  
Patricia L. Waters
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Objectification Theory ◽  
Sexual Objectification ◽  
Women's Bodies ◽  
Psychology Of Women ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Body Project ◽  
Objectification Of Women ◽  
Patriarchal Power ◽  
Self Objectification

In this chapter, we attempt to explore the motivational questions that arise when we view the psychology of women through the lens of objectification theory, which highlights the centrality of appearance concerns, or “body projects,” for girls and women today. We examine theoretical perspectives on what motivates the sexual objectification of women, considering the ways this treatment may reflect an adaptive evolutionary mating strategy, may serve as a tool for the maintenance of patriarchal power, or may lend existential “protection” against the creaturely, death reminders that women's bodies provide. We then investigate both developmental processes and situational/contextual features that motivate girls and women to internalize a sexually objectifying view on their physical selves. And, finally, we review evidence that self-objectification, though motivating in itself, carries significant consequences for their health and well-being.

The Cognitive Tax of Self-Objectification

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Stevens Aubrey ◽  
Ashton Gerding
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Objectification Theory ◽  
Music Videos ◽  
Sexual Objectification ◽  
Television Commercials ◽  
Factual Information ◽  
Subsequent Performance ◽  
Psychology Of Women ◽  
Self Objectification

Objectification theory ( Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997 , Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21, 173–206) posits that a consequence of living in a sexually objectifying culture is self-objectification, a cognitively taxing preoccupation with one’s appearance. The present study investigated the effects of exposure to sexual objectification of female artists in music videos, on female emerging adults’ self-objectification and their ability to cognitively process subsequent television commercials. Results indicated that exposure to music videos high in sexual objectification induced self-objectification and hindered participants’ subsequent performance in encoding visual information from commercials, but did not diminish participants’ ability to allocate resources to, or to recall factual information from, the commercials.

How Sexual Objectification Generates Dehumanization in Western and Eastern Cultures - a Comparison Between Belgium and Thailand.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Wollast ◽  
Elisa Puvia ◽  
Philippe Bernard ◽  
Olivier Klein
Keyword(s):  
Social Perception ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Objectification Theory ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Sexual Objectification ◽  
Intense Pain ◽  
Eastern Cultures ◽  
Theory Research ◽  
Self Objectification ◽  
Asian Sample

Ever since Fredrickson and Roberts (1997) proposed objectification theory, research on self-objectification and – by extension – other-objectification has experienced a considerable expansion. However, most of the studies on sexual objectification have been conducted solely in Western populations. This study investigates whether the effect of target sexualization on social perception differs as a function of culture (Western vs. Eastern). Specifically, we asked a Western sample (Belgian, N = 62) and a Southeast Asian sample (Thai, N = 98) to rate sexualized versus nonsexualized targets. We found that sexual objectification results in dehumanization in both Western (Belgium) and Eastern (Thailand) cultures. Specifically, participants from both countries attributed less competence and less agency to sexualized than to nonsexualized targets, and they reported that they would administer more intense pain to sexualized than to nonsexualized targets. Thus, building on past research, this study suggests that the effect of target sexualization on dehumanization is a more general rather than a culture-specific phenomenon.

Trauma and Sexual Objectification of Women with Serious Mental Illness

2020 ◽  
pp. 113-130
Author(s):  
Lauren Mizock ◽  
Erika Carr
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Objectification Theory ◽  
Sexual Objectification ◽  
Clinical Strategies ◽  
Objectification Of Women ◽  
Experiences Of Women

This chapter reviews the feminist framework of objectification theory to help providers understand the unique experiences of women who live in a culture that views and values their bodies as sexual objects. The literature related to sexual objectification is explored, as well as the empirical links to mental health problems. The literature on sexual exploitation of women who experience serious mental illness is also examined. The implications of these unique intersecting experiences of women with serious mental illness are discussed. This chapter includes two case narratives, a clinical strategies list, discussion questions, activities, and a clinical worksheet (“Gender Role Analysis Worksheet”).

Concussion, neuroethics, and sport: Policies of the past do not suffice for the future

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad Partridge ◽  
Wayne Hall
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Head Trauma ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
The Past ◽  
Management Policies

Concussion management policies have become a major priority worldwide for sports that involve frequent collisions between participants because repeated head trauma has been associated with long-term cognitive impairments, mental health problems, and some forms of neurological degeneration. A number of concussion management policies have been developed by professional bodies and subsequently adopted by various sporting leagues. These have offered little guidance on how to navigate ethical issues in identifying and managing concussion. This chapter discusses ethical issues that arise in the diagnosis of concussion, debates about the longer-term consequences of repeated concussion injuries, and the design and implementation of policies that aim to prevent and manage concussion injuries in sporting matches.

scholarly journals Severe and enduring mental health problems within an established substance misuse treatment partnership

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 216-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Walsh ◽  
Alex Copello
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
The Past ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Effective Service

Aims and methodThe study reports findings of an investigation into the presence of severe and enduring mental health problems within the four statutory and non-statutory teams of an established substance misuse treatment partnership.ResultsOf a total of 772 clients in the four teams surveyed, 69 (8.9%) were identified as having severe and enduring mental health problems and problem substance use in the past 12 months. Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used by this predominantly male group. Different rates were found across the four teams, with higher numbers in the non-statutory teams. The clients displayed significant levels of self-harm and suicide risk and were responsible for 131 acute service contacts over the past 12 months.Clinical implicationsClients with severe and enduring mental health problems engaged with substance misuse services display high levels of complex need. It is important to identify the best and most effective service response to this group.

scholarly journals Diversion from custody: An update

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 375-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Birmingham ◽  
Olusola Awonogun ◽  
Howard Ryland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
List Type ◽  
Mentally Disordered ◽  
The Past ◽  
Important Landmark ◽  
Justice Process ◽  
Criminal Justice Process ◽  
The Impact

SummaryLiaison and diversion services are concerned with ensuring that individuals with mental health problems and related vulnerabilities who come into contact with the criminal justice system receive appropriate support and treatment. In the past 15 years there have been significant changes in policy, legislation and the broader landscape in community, custodial and hospital settings which have shaped these services. The Bradley Report, published in 2009, represents an important landmark in this field. Bradley made 82 recommendations, from interventions to improve identification of mental illness and vulnerable individuals at risk of offending to effecting speedier transfers of mentally disordered prisoners to hospital. Some progress has been made in achieving these recommendations, and further investment is promised, but at present only half of England is covered by liaison and diversion services.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Appreciate how services have developed over the past 15 years to provide support and treatment and divert mentally disordered people from custody at all stages in the criminal justice process•Recognise how government policy has shaped the development of liaison and diversion services over the past 15 years•Understand the impact of the 2007 amendments to the Mental Health Act on the diversion of mentally disordered people from custody

Self-Objectification, Risk Taking, and Self-Harm in College Women

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp ◽  
Jenny D. Swanson ◽  
Amy M. Brausch
Keyword(s):  
College Women ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Objectification Theory ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Women's Bodies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Self Objectification

Objectification theory proposes that the objectification of women's bodies causes women to self-objectify, adopting an outsider's view of themselves. Engaging in a high amount of self-objectification is thought to place women at increased risk for mental health problems such as body dissatisfaction and depression. It was hypothesized that self-objectification would contribute to negative body regard and depression, which would increase participation in risk-taking and self-harmful behaviors. Structural equation modeling was used to test a model of risk for self-harm based upon objectification theory in a sample of 391 college women. Results indicate that the model provided a good fit to the data, but only the paths from self-objectification to negative body regard, negative body regard to depression, and depression to self-harm were significant. Implications of these findings for objectification theory and our understanding of self-harm in women are discussed.

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