Self-Objectification: A Review of its Impact and Potential Interventions
Abstract
Self-objectification is the process of perceiving oneself in terms of an object to be looked at, judged, and possessed by others. This review synthesizes the existing literature on self-objectification, its impact on mental health outcomes, and potential interventions. Findings suggest that self-objectification is common among women and is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and sexual dysfunction. Moreover, self-objectification appears to be an important mediator in the relationship between media exposure and mental health outcomes. Various interventions have been proposed, including body acceptance, media literacy, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring. These interventions show promise in combating the negative effects of self-objectification, but further research is needed to determine their effectiveness.
Introduction
Self-objectification is the process of perceiving oneself as an object to be looked at, judged, and possessed by others (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). This phenomenon has been extensively studied in the context of gender, with evidence of a relationship between self-objectification and mental health outcomes among women (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Noll & Fredrickson, 1998). The purpose of this review is to synthesize the existing literature on self-objectification, its impact on mental health outcomes, and potential interventions.
Self-Objectification
Self-objectification has been defined as the process of “internalizing an observer’s perspective on one’s physical appearance” (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997, p. 218). This process is thought to be reinforced by cultural messages that prioritize physical appearance over other qualities (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). Consequently, women are more likely to self-objectify than men (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Noll & Fredrickson, 1998).
Impact of Self-Objectification
Self-objectification is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and sexual dysfunction (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Noll & Fredrickson, 1998). In addition, research suggests that self-objectification is an important mediator in the relationship between media exposure and mental health outcomes (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). For example, exposure to images of idealized female bodies in the media may lead to self-objectification, which in turn is associated with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Noll & Fredrickson, 1998).
Interventions
Given the negative impact of self-objectification, there is a need for interventions that can reduce its prevalence and mitigate its effects. Several potential interventions have been proposed, including body acceptance, media literacy, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring.
Body acceptance interventions focus on promoting positive body image and reducing body shame (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Noll & Fredrickson, 1998). These interventions typically involve activities such as body appreciation exercises and positive self-talk (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997).
Media literacy interventions are designed to help individuals recognize and challenge unrealistic beauty standards in the media (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Noll & Fredrickson, 1998). These interventions typically involve activities such as analyzing media messages and discussing how they shape perceptions of beauty (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997).
Mindfulness interventions are designed to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Noll & Fredrickson, 1998). These interventions typically involve activities such as mindful body scanning and mindfulness meditations (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997).
Cognitive restructuring interventions are designed to help individuals challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about their bodies (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Noll & Fredrickson, 1998). These interventions typically involve activities such as identifying and challenging automatic negative thoughts (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this review has synthesized the existing literature on self-objectification, its impact on mental health outcomes, and potential interventions. Findings suggest that self-objectification is common among women and is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and sexual dysfunction. Moreover, self-objectification appears to be an important mediator in the relationship between media exposure and mental health outcomes. Various interventions have been proposed, including body acceptance, media literacy, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring. These interventions show promise in combating the negative effects of self-objectification, but further research is needed to determine their effectiveness.
References
Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T. A. (1997). Objectification theory: Toward understanding women’s lived experiences and mental health risks. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21(2), 173-206.
Noll, S. M., & Fredrickson, B. L. (1998). A mediational model linking self-objectification, body shame, and disordered eating. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 22(4), 623-636.