Me, Myself, and My Favorite Media Figure: An Objectification Perspective on the Role of Media and Peers in Early Adolescents’ Self-sexualization

ABSTRACT

This study seeks a deeper understanding of the associations between early adolescents’ encounter with sexualizing messages, both through media and peers, and self-sexualization (i.e., performing sexualizing appearance behaviors). To address this aim, this three-wave panel study (N = 971, 49% girls; M_age = 11.14) takes both intra- and interpersonal aspects of sexualization into account. Specifically, sexualizing experiences have been shown to play a role in individuals’ adoption of an observer’s perspective on both their own physical self (intrapersonal) and on others (interpersonal), which were included as mediating variables. Structural equation modeling revealed that interactions with peers (W1) related to self-objectification (W2) but not the objectification of others (W2). Moreover, self-objectification (W2) but not the objectification of others (W2) was, in turn, associated with self-sexualization. The findings thereby point out that an appearance-focused attitude toward the self was a more important correlate of self-sexualization than an objectified perception of others. Moreover, early adolescents’ appearance investment most likely stems from encountering sexualizing messages through interactions and with peers rather than from personal media use.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the KU Leuven Special Research Fund (BOF) and Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for funding this project.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Notes

¹ This article uses data that are part of a larger panel survey study that examines links between media usage and well-being among adolescents. More information about the study project can be obtained by sending an e-mail to the first author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds.

Notes on contributors

Jolien Trekels

Jolien Trekels (PhD, KU Leuven) is a postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven and studies the role of traditional and social media in the lives of youth with a specific focus on body image development.

Steven Eggermont

Steven Eggermont (PhD, KU Leuven) is a full professor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at KU Leuven. He is interested in the relationship between media use patterns and developmental processes in the life span and in the media's effects on emotional, mental and physical health in young people.