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Sexualizing reality television: associations with trait and state self-objectification
Laura Vandenbosch1, Amy Muise2, Steven Eggermont3
1The Amsterdam School of Communication Research, ASCoR, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1001 NG Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Watching sexualizing reality TV is linked to self-objectification in women. Increased exposure correlates with prioritizing appearance over body competence, impacting self-concept.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Self-objectification is a significant concern for women's psychological well-being.
- Reality television often features sexualized content, raising questions about its impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between watching sexualizing reality television and self-objectification in women.
- To differentiate the effects on trait versus state self-objectification.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted: a cross-sectional online survey (N=495) and a daily experience study (N=94).
- Methods included assessing reality television viewing habits and levels of self-objectification.
Main Results:
- Watching sexualizing reality television was associated with higher trait self-objectification.
- Daily exposure fluctuations correlated with appearance importance but not body-competence importance in state self-objectification.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to sexualizing reality television influences the development of an objectified self-concept.
- The relationship between media exposure and self-objectification differs for trait and state measures.
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