Self-objectification and sexual satisfaction: A preregistered test of the replicability and robustness of Calogero & Thompson (2009) in a sample of U.S. women

Abstract

Objectification theory has provided a useful framework for the study of women's sexual outcomes. However, little research has been conducted on the role of self-objectification in predicting sexual satisfaction. We conducted a replication of Calogero and Thompson (2009a), which reported a direct relationship between self-surveillance and sexual satisfaction, and expanded upon their work. We tested four path analysis models: Calogero and Thompson's reported and hypothesized models, and two previously untested models, all containing our variables of interest (media internalization, self-surveillance, body shame, sexual self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction). Each model was tested with the full sample (N = 349) and a restricted sample (N = 127) that met Calogero and Thompson's relationship status and sexual frequency inclusion criteria, and with and without BMI covaried. Both samples consisted of U.S. college women recruited in Fall 2019, with a mean age of M = 19.68 in the restricted sample. Results showed good fit for all tested models but failed to replicate the direct pathway between selfsurveillance and sexual satisfaction. Instead, our models supported an indirect effect of selfsurveillance on sexual satisfaction through body shame and sexual self-esteem. Findings support the role of sociocultural channels in influencing college women's body image and sexual experiences.

Self‐objectification and sexual dysfunction among women: Testing and extending objectification theory

“…It is also important to note that our research focused specifically on sexual dysfunction, yet research on sexuality and self‐objectification also looked at other aspects of healthy sexual functioning. To illustrate, some studies assessed the association between self‐objectification and women's sexual satisfaction (using the SOQ; De Wilde et al., 2019; Grower & Ward, 2018 or the OBCS‐surveillance; Barzoki et al., 2017; Brock et al., 2021; Calogero & Thompson, 2009a; Clapp & Syed, 2021; Claudat & Warren, 2014; Grower & Ward, 2018, 2021). Future research is needed to understand how self‐objectification is related to these related yet distinct aspects of women's sexuality.…”

Bidimensional self-esteem and sexual functioning among young adults: A systematic review

“…Sexual self-esteem is defined in the Sexuality Scale (Snell & Papini, 1989), as well as in its subsequent versions the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire (Snell et al, 1993) and the Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (Snell, 1998), as a generalised tendency for individuals to experience their sexuality in a positive way by relating sexually to their partners, in which the authors referred to the Rosenberg (1965) construct of global self-esteem as a related concept to their definition of sexual self-esteem. The final instrument used in the study by Clapp and Syed (2021) is Calogero and Thompson's (2009) revision of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, in which the global self-esteem construct was adapted specifically to the sexual context.…”

“…All five studies (Brassard et al, 2015;Clapp & Syed, 2021;La Rocque & Cioe, 2011;Peixoto et al, 2018;Schick et al, 2010) investigated the relationship between sexual self-esteem and sexual satisfaction. In addition, Brassard et al (2015) and Peixoto et al (2018) also measured overall sexual functioning, whereas La Rocque and Cioe (2011) also measured sexual desire.…”

“…In addition, Brassard et al (2015) and Peixoto et al (2018) also measured overall sexual functioning, whereas La Rocque and Cioe (2011) also measured sexual desire. Three studies (Brassard et al, 2015;Clapp & Syed, 2021;Schick et al, 2010) consisted of female-only samples. Findings on the relationship between sexual self-esteem and sexual functioning were consistently positive and significant.…”

The impact of selfies on body image satisfaction and the chain mediating role of self-objectification and narcissistic personality

“…While college students are in an important stage of value building, positive self-recognition and comprehensive self-evaluation are particularly important. Studies indicate that social networks are a common way for individuals to experience sexual objectification (Sun et al, 2013) and lead to the development of negative emotions (Abbie and Moin, 2021). Thus, self-objectification may play an inter-mediary role in the relationship between selfies and body image satisfaction onsocial networks.…”