The development and psychometric evaluation of the Objectification Perpetration Scale

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Existing measures of objectification perpetration are often adapted from self-objectification or reported experiences.
• There is a need for a comprehensive tool to assess the perpetration of objectifying behaviors, cognitions, and beliefs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate the Objectification Perpetration Scale (OPS).
• To assess men's perpetration of objectifying behaviors, cognitions, and beliefs toward women.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted with 855 men.
• Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to validate the 16-item OPS.
• The OPS was assessed for construct validity against related measures.

Main Results:

• The 16-item OPS demonstrated a robust two-factor structure: sex-based (10 items) and appearance-based (6 items) objectification perpetration.
• OPS scores positively correlated with other objectification perpetration measures, sexual violence perpetration, and misogynistic ideologies.
• The scale effectively captures objectification reducing women to sexual appeal or appearance.

Conclusions:

• The OPS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring objectification perpetration in men.
• The scale enhances the understanding of objectification by differentiating between sex-based and appearance-based perpetration.
• Findings contribute to research on gender-based violence and harmful sexual attitudes.