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Given the limitations of existing measures of self-objectification, the purpose of the two studies presented in this article was to develop and validate a new measure of self-objectification, the Self-Objectification Beliefs and Behaviors Scale (SOBBS). In Study 1, a total of 654 women completed an online questionnaire including a pool of items designed to measure selfobjectification. The item pool was constructed through focus groups and consultation with subject matter experts. Participants also completed existing measures of self-objectification and related constructs. A subset of participants completed the item pool at a 2-week interval to allow for assessment of test-retest reliability. A 14-item, two-factor measure of selfobjectification was derived through exploratory factor analysis. Data provided evidence for the SOBBS's internal consistency and test-retest reliability as well as its convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity via its relations with interpersonal sexual objectification, body image, disordered eating, and depression. In Study 2, the factor structure of the SOBBS was reevaluated using confirmatory factor analysis and validity was again evaluated; SOBBS scores correlated with public body consciousness, private and public self-consciousness, self-esteem, and sexual functioning. We discuss implications for assessment of self-objectification as part of efforts in prevention and treatment of body image and eating disturbances. We hope the development of a new measure of self-objectification prompts further study of the topic and that increased knowledge about self-objectification allows clinicians and researchers to develop interventions that foster greater resilience against sexual objectification.

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Individuals with Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia (PD/A) experience recurrent unexpected panic attacks and anxiety about the attacks along with significant anxiety about being in places or situations in which it would be difficult to escape or receive assistance if a panic attack were to occur. Feared situations are endured with extreme distress or avoided entirely. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for PD and PD/A. In this case study, interoceptive exposure (IE) therapy and in vivo exposure therapy were used to treat a 30-year-old housebound woman. Following in-home assessment, psychoeducation, and a limited number of exposure sessions, clinical services were transitioned from in-home to using videoconferencing until in vivo exposure sessions began outside the home. The client was able to meet all behavioral goals by the end of treatment and no longer met criteria for PD/A. This case demonstrates the treatment effectiveness in an individual. Future research should seek to conduct randomized control trials to determine whether videoconference is an efficacious method of delivery for PD/A. This case demonstrates evidence for videoconferencing as an effective tool in treatment delivery for PD/A.

Whether sexualization of female characters in video games impacts women players’ body satisfaction and aggression toward other women remains an issue of debate. In the current study, female players were randomly assigned to play either a more or less sexualized avatar in a Tomb Raider game. Participants also reported on their self-objectification and body dissatisfaction, as well as hostility and aggression toward a female confederate. Results indicated that exposure to a sexualized avatar in a video game did not influence any outcomes for female participants. These results indicate that, at least for video games, exposure to sexualized females may not have a substantial impact on female players.