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; Mage = 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.

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