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Hollett RC, West H, Craig C, Marns L, McCue J. Evidence That Pervasive Body Gaze Behavior in Heterosexual Men Is a Social Marker for Implicit, Physiological, and Explicit Sexual Assault Propensities. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02953-y. [PMID: 39048779 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Deliberate and effortful attempts to gaze at the bodies of women is emerging as a valuable marker of sexual objectification in men. Some preliminary evidence suggests that pervasive body gaze behavior may also accompany insidious attitudes which can facilitate sexual assault. The present study aimed to further explore this potential by examining pervasive body gaze associations with explicit, implicit, and physiological sexual assault propensity measures. We presented 110 heterosexual male participants with images of fully and partially dressed women with and without injuries while measuring their skin conductance responses. We also captured implicit and explicit sexual assault measures in addition to self-reported pervasive body gaze behavior. Pervasive body gaze behavior was significantly correlated with rape myth acceptance attitudes, prior perpetration of sexual assault, a stronger implicit association between erotica and aggression, and lower physiological reactivity during exposure to partially dressed injured women. These findings suggest that body gaze towards women could be a behavioral marker for inclinations to victim blame, preferences for rough sexual conduct, and a physiological desensitization towards female victims. This study further validates a five item self-reported body gaze measure as a valuable tool for detecting deviant sexual objectification attitudes and affective states. As such, measurement and observation of body gaze behavior could be useful for developing risk assessments, estimating intervention efficacy, and enhancing public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Hollett
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Hannah West
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Candice Craig
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Lorna Marns
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - James McCue
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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Tinoco A, Schneider J, Haywood S, Matheson EL. "They are men, they will be looking even if you put on pants or a sweatshirt": Girl athletes' and coaches' experiences of body image in Mexico City sport settings. Body Image 2023; 46:73-83. [PMID: 37244013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Body image concerns are a barrier for girls' participation in sports. Scarce evidence from Mexico suggests adolescents experience high levels of body dissatisfaction, and national statistics report low levels of physical activity among girls. This study aimed to explore girls' body image concerns and coaches' perceptions of girls' body image experiences in sport. We used reflexive thematic analysis on secondary data from semi-structured focus groups conducted in Mexico City with 12 girls aged 11-17 years and six coaches from two sports organizations. Girls expressed feelings of self-consciousness about their performance, body-related teasing, the male gaze, and harassment within and outside sports contexts. Lack of support from coaches resulted in making excuses for withdrawing or supporting one another. Coaches' accounts demonstrate gender stereotypes about girls in sport. They acknowledge that girls abandon sport because of appearance-related teasing and body image concerns. In addition, colorism and discomfort with speaking directly about bodily functions are fundamental sociocultural influences affecting their communication. This is the first qualitative study exploring girls' body image concerns and coaches' perceptions of such concerns in Mexico City. Further research in lower- and middle-income countries is key in developing effective intervention programs to help girls benefit from sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Tinoco
- Centre for Appearance Research, School of Social Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.
| | - Jekaterina Schneider
- Centre for Appearance Research, School of Social Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Haywood
- Centre for Appearance Research, School of Social Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom
| | - Emily L Matheson
- Centre for Appearance Research, School of Social Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom
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Pecini C, Guizzo F, Bonache H, Borges-Castells N, Morera MD, Vaes J. Sexual objectification: advancements and avenues for future research. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2023.101261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
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Hollett RC, Rogers SL, Florido P, Mosdell B. Body Gaze as a Marker of Sexual Objectification: A New Scale for Pervasive Gaze and Gaze Provocation Behaviors in Heterosexual Women and Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2759-2780. [PMID: 35348918 PMCID: PMC9363378 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02290-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Body gaze behavior is assumed to be a key feature of sexual objectification. However, there are few self-report gaze measures available and none capturing behavior which seeks to invite body gaze from others. Across two studies, we used existing self-report instruments and measurement of eye movements to validate a new self-report scale to measure pervasive body gaze behavior and body gaze provocation behavior in heterosexual women and men. In Study 1, participants (N = 1021) completed a survey with newly created items related to pervasive body gaze and body gaze provocation behavior. Participants also completed preexisting measures of body attitudes, sexual assault attitudes, pornography use, and relationship status. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses across independent samples suggested a 12-item scale for men and women to separately measure pervasive body gaze (5 items) and body gaze provocation (7 items) toward the opposite sex. The two scales yielded excellent internal consistency estimates (.86-.89) and promising convergent validity via positive correlations with body and sexual attitudes. In Study 2, a subsample (N = 167) of participants from Study 1 completed an eye-tracking task to capture their gaze behavior toward matched images of partially and fully dressed female and male subjects. Men exhibited body-biased gaze behavior toward all the female imagery, whereas women exhibited head-biased gaze behavior toward fully clothed male imagery. Importantly, self-reported body gaze correlated positively with some aspects of objectively measured body gaze behavior. Both scales showed good test-retest reliability and were positively correlated with sexual assault attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Hollett
- Cognition Research Group, Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Shane L Rogers
- Cognition Research Group, Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Prudence Florido
- Cognition Research Group, Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Belinda Mosdell
- Cognition Research Group, Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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Pecini C, Di Bernardo GA, Crapolicchio E, Stathi S, Vezzali L, Andrighetto L. Stop looking at me! associations between men's partner‐objectification and women's self‐objectification, body shame and life satisfaction in romantic relationships. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pecini
- Department of Educational Science University of Genova Genoa Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Crapolicchio
- Department of Psychology Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Sofia Stathi
- Department of Psychology & Counselling University of Greenwich London UK
| | - Loris Vezzali
- Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Luca Andrighetto
- Department of Educational Science University of Genova Genoa Italy
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Llano-Suárez A, Lana A, Gasch-Gallén Á, Fernández-Feito A. Gender roles and intimate partner violence among female university students in Spain: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259839. [PMID: 34762707 PMCID: PMC8584681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional gender roles (GRs) have a considerable influence on relationships among couples. These can lead to negative health effects in women; however, their impact on intimate partner violence (IPV) has been less explored, especially among younger women. OBJECTIVE To explore the association between traditional GRs and several indicators of IPV on a sample of Spanish female university students involved in heterosexual dating relationships. METHODS A cross-sectional study involving female university students (n = 1,005) pursuing ten degrees (four Health Science degrees and six Social Sciences degrees). Data were collected using two validated scales: 1) the Questionnaire on the Gender Determinants of Contraception (COGANT), used to examine four traditional GRs (submissive, blind, and passive attitudes of female students, and male dominance), and 2) the Dating Violence Questionnaire-R (DVQ-R) scale, used to measure five types of IPV-behaviors (coercion, detachment, humiliation, sexual violence, and physical violence), perceived fear, entrapment, and abuse. Logistic and linear regressions were conducted to study the association between GR and a series of IPV indicators in dating relationships. RESULTS Traditional GRs were highly prevalent (57.0% submissive, 52.0% blind attitude, 75.7% passive, and 31.7% identified their boyfriend as being dominant). Up to 66.3% experienced some type of violent behavior. All GRs were significantly associated with IPV indicators. A submissive attitude in female students was the GR that was most strongly associated to total IPV-behavior (adjusted odd ratio [OR] = 3.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.29-4.42), followed by male dominance (OR = 2.79: 95% CI:1.71: 4.54). Both GRs were also highly associated with perceived fear, entrapment, and abuse. CONCLUSIONS A high presence of traditional GRs was found in the relationships held by female university students, which was significantly associated with IPV indicators. Universities must adopt policies for gender equality and raise awareness on dating violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Llano-Suárez
- Central University Hospital of Asturias, Principality of Asturias Health Service, Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain
- Healthcare Research Area, Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain
| | - Alberto Lana
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain
- Healthcare Research Area, Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain
| | - Ángel Gasch-Gallén
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Feito
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain
- Healthcare Research Area, Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain
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Gervais SJ, Baildon AE, Lorenz TK. On Methods and Marshmallows: A Roadmap for Science That Is Openly Feminist and Radically Open. PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN QUARTERLY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/03616843211032632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this commentary, we argue that feminist science and open science can benefit from each other’s wisdom and critiques in service of creating systems that produce the highest quality science with the maximum potential for improving the lives of women. To do this, we offer a constructive analysis, focusing on common methods used in open science, including open materials and data, preregistration, and large sample sizes, and illuminate potential benefits and costs from a feminist science perspective. We also offer some solutions and deeper questions both for individual researchers and the feminist psychology and open science communities. By broadening our focus from a myopic prioritization of certain methodological and analytic approaches in open science, we hope to give a balanced perspective of science that emerges from each movement’s strengths and is openly feminist and radically open.
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Bernard P, De Laet M, Gervais SJ. Is body inversion effect a valid measure of women's objectification? Yes, it is! PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Klein O, Arnal C, Eagan S, Bernard P, Gervais SJ. Does tipping facilitate sexual objectification? The effect of tips on sexual harassment of bar and restaurant servers. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/edi-04-2019-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeIn many countries, service workers' (e.g. restaurant staff, bartenders) income depends highly on tips. Such workers are often female and targeted by sexual harassment. The purpose of this paper was to investigate whether the mode of compensation (tips vs. no tips) could play a causal role in the perceived legitimacy of sexual harassment.Design/methodology/approachIn an experimental study (N = 161), the authors manipulated the source of income of a fictional female bartender (fixed income vs. smaller fixed income + tips) as well as whether she or her boss chose her (sexualized) clothing. The authors then asked male participants in an online survey to imagine being her customer and to form an impression of her.FindingsThe bartender was viewed as more sexualized, more manipulative and sexual behaviors toward her were perceived as more legitimate when she received tips. Further, the effect of tipping on the legitimacy of sexual behaviors was mediated by perceptions that she was manipulative. The target was perceived as more manipulative when she chose her clothes than not.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is an online scenario study and, as a consequence, assesses only judgments rather than actual behaviors.Practical implicationsEncouraging fixed salaries rather than tipping could reduce the occurrence of sexual harassment.Social implicationsThe present work suggests that tipping may play a detrimental role in service workers' well-being by contributing to an environment in which sexual harassment is perceived as legitimate.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study showing that mode of compensation can increase the objectification of workers and legitimize sexually objectifying behaviors toward them.
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Zhou Y, Liu T, Yan HY, Paul B. Pornography Use, Two Forms of Dehumanization, and Sexual Aggression: Attitudes vs. Behaviors. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 47:571-590. [PMID: 33988489 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1923598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual objectification is a common pornographic theme. Research shows that sexual objectification leads to the expression of aggressive attitudes and behaviors toward women. Based on a survey study of 320 male participants, this study re-conceptualizes sexual objectification in terms of two forms of dehumanization. Evidence suggests men's pornography use is positively associated with both forms, but mechanistic dehumanization of women is more associated with aggressive attitudes while animalistic dehumanization is more associated with aggressive behaviors. Findings indicate how objectifying pornography use may relate to aggressive attitudes and behaviors and inform the future education campaigns and interventions to reduce sexual aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhou
- Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tuo Liu
- Department of Psychology, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Harry Yaojun Yan
- Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Bryant Paul
- Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
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My Physical Appearance at the Center of Others' Concerns: What are the Consequences for Women's Metadehumanization and Emotions? Psychol Belg 2021; 61:116-130. [PMID: 33815812 PMCID: PMC7996437 DOI: 10.5334/pb.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the frequency of women’s exposure to sexually objectifying behaviors in their daily life (e.g., through comments on their appearance, gazing or touching), no previous work has investigated how such a focus on their physical appearance influences women’s meta-perceptions. Capitalizing on recent studies showing that sexually objectified women are dehumanized by both male and female participants, the present paper investigates women’s metadehumanization (i.e., their perceptions of being viewed as less than fully human) and its emotional consequences following interpersonal sexual objectification. In three studies, we showed that when an interaction partner focuses on their physical appearance, women report higher levels of metadehumanization, as well as increased anger and sadness, than when the partner focuses on non-physical parts. Theoretical and empirical contributions of the present findings are discussed.
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Fox J, Vendemia MA, Smith MA, Brehm NR. Effects of taking selfies on women's self-objectification, mood, self-esteem, and social aggression toward female peers. Body Image 2021; 36:193-200. [PMID: 33360476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of taking photos (of the self or objects) on women. Objectification theory states that women are subjected to societal pressure to focus on their physical appearance. The emergence of social media as a communication channel has further reinforced the emphasis on women's appearance, beauty ideals, and body image. On social media, selfies serve as a self-presentation of one's appearance to an online audience. In this 2 × 2 experiment, women (N = 120, Mage = 19.87) took pictures of themselves (i.e., selfies) or objects. They were told beforehand that these pictures would be kept private or that they would be posted online on social media. After taking pictures, we assessed women's self-objectification, mood, and self-esteem. Women then engaged in a photo tagging task in which they selected hashtags for selfies of other women. Selfie takers expressed higher self-objectification, more negative mood, and diminished self-esteem compared to those taking pictures of objects. Selfie takers also demonstrated comparatively less social aggression, using fewer derogatory tags on other women's pictures. Although taking selfies may negatively affect producers, there may be benefits for online social interaction with peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Fox
- The Ohio State University, United States.
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The Drawback of Sexual Empowerment: Perceiving Women as Emancipated but Still as Sexual Objects. SEX ROLES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-020-01192-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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