Objects of Trauma: A Systematic Review of Self-Objectification and Posttraumatic Stress

Sexual objectification of women is common and may expose them to events (e.g., interpersonal violence) that confer high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and/or lead to self-objectification. This systematic review examines the relationships between self-objectification and trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and PTSD, identifying the measures used to assess self-objectification. Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, OVID Medline, and CINAHL were searched through 23 January 2025. Peer-reviewed articles that measured self-objectification and assessed relationships between self-objectification and trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and/or PTSD were included. Thirteen articles with 5,035 participants met inclusion criteria; most recruited women exclusively. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Evidence was synthesized narratively. No articles evaluated interventions. Five measures were used to assess two conceptualizations of self-objectification: bodily self-objectification (e.g., body shame, body surveillance) and self-dehumanization. Associations varied with the conceptualization and measurement of self-objectification. Body shame was positively associated with trauma exposure and symptoms, including dissociation, while associations between body surveillance, trauma exposure, and trauma symptoms were inconsistent. Self-dehumanization was positively associated with trauma exposure. Overall, findings suggest a relationship between exposure to traumatic events and self-objectification. Further research is needed to clarify the influence of self-objectification on trauma symptomatology. Given the impact of violence, self-objectification, and PTSD on women, research that informs clinical practice is needed, along with policy-based actions that enhance women's safety and wellbeing, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.