Let’s start with the basics—because who doesn’t love a little theory with their morning coffee?
What is self-objectification?
At its core, sexual objectification happens when someone’s body (or body parts) is treated as if it exists independently from the rest of the person. Think: body, no personality included.
While this review primarily focuses on women, let’s be clear: objectification doesn’t discriminate. It can (and does) affect people of all genders, especially those with marginalized identities.
You’ve probably heard of the male gaze, a type of sexual objectification that frames women as passive objects of desire. On the extreme end, objectification can include assault, harassment, and even trafficking. But it also has a much subtler, insidious side: self-objectification. This occurs when we internalize the objectifying gaze and start monitoring our own bodies, appearances, and desirability – a process researchers call body surveillance.
We see it everywhere: in magazine ads, catcalls on the street, locker-room banter, or even those awkward interviews where women athletes are asked about their outfits instead of their stats. And it doesn’t stop there. Social media amplifies indirect objectification through curated images and algorithmic reinforcement of appearance ideals.
Why is self-objectification studied?
Research has long shown that sexual objectification has real consequences. It reinforces harmful gender stereotypes, promotes violence, and is linked to depression, anxiety and eating disorders. But a growing body of research seeks to understand a more nuanced question: how does self-objectification shape sexual health outcomes?
Current study on Self-Objectification and Sexuality
A recent literature review summarized 47 studies on self-objectification and sexual health outcomes worldwide. One limitation of the research is its narrow focus: most studies examined Western, heterosexual, white, cisgender adults. Identity and context matter; age, gender, ability, race, and culture all influence how objectification manifests and how people experience its effects.
Research themes
The studies included in this literature review spanned six main areas:
Sexual satisfaction
Relationship satisfaction
Sexual behaviors
Sexual function
Sexual victimization
Safety-related anxiety and fear of assault
Sexual satisfaction
The results? A bit messy. Some studies found self-objectification linked to lower sexual satisfaction, others found no link at all. But a few things stand out:
Body shame matters: Body surveillance can lead to body shame, lower self-esteem and self-consciousness, which can lower sexual satisfaction.
Partners matter, too: Feeling that a partner genuinely cares about your comfort and health is linked to lower self-objectification and higher satisfaction.
Media isn’t neutral: Even indirect exposure, like images online, can shape body shame and sexual satisfaction among women.
The mixed findings show context matters. With this in mind, it is clear there is a pattern: self-objectification can weigh down satisfaction.
Relationship satisfaction
Again, we see similar patterns; relationship satisfaction often goes hand-in-hand with self-objectification:
Lower self-objectification resulted in higher relationship satisfaction in some studies, however, one study found no relationship
Partner objectification is also linked to lower relationship satisfaction
Higher self-objectification can trigger sexual emotional labor, where someone prioritizes their partner’s pleasure over their own. This can include faking an orgasm or performing desire.
Sexual behaviors
Research on sexual behaviors often focuses on adolescents and young women due to higher STI risk and potential for unintended pregnancies. The eight studies reviewed highlighted patterns linked to higher self-objectification:
These behaviors demonstrate how self-objectification can influence sexual decision-making and risk behaviors, often indirectly through internalized appearance norms and performance anxiety.
Sexual function
Sexual dysfunctions are defined as persistent or recurrent difficulties in experiencing sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain associated with sexual activity. Studies show:
Self-objectification affects sexual function through things like appearance anxiety, body shame, and self-consciousness during sex
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to internalizing appearance ideals, shaping their early sexual experiences
Sexual victimization
Body surveillance also shows up here:
Peer harassment, stranger harassment, and previous sexual victimization has been found to relate to self-objectification
Interestingly, one study found no direct correlation between body surveillance or body shame and sexual coercion among partnered women
Safety-related anxiety
Three studies connected self-objectification to fear of assault and increased vigilance:
General safety vigilance increases and more fear of men in everyday settings.
Assault-specific fears, particularly regarding men, are heightened.
Anxiety and hyperawareness may reduce comfort in public spaces or affect intimacy with partners.
Insights for practice: Lessons from self-objectification and Sexuality
Internal body awareness matters: We need more research, but this concept appears to be an important protective factor and is associated with various health outcomes.
Appearance anxiety is a disruptor: It can interfere with arousal, pleasure, and overall sexual well-being.
Body shame’s role is complex: Sometimes it impacts sexual satisfaction; other times, its effects are inconsistent. Person-centered approaches are important to understand how shame affects individuals.
Cycles exist: Self-objectification can ripple into relationships, sexual behaviors, and function, so interventions need to be holistic.
Self-Objectification and Sexuality: Conclusions
Sexual objectification is not just theory; it is a lived experience with measurable effects on mental health, relationships, and sexual well-being. For sexual health professionals, the message is clear:
Self-objectification matters: Supporting individuals and clients in noticing, naming, and reducing self-objectification can be a powerful step toward healthier sexual lives.
Awareness is key: Even small steps, like promoting self-compassion, media literacy, or mindful embodiment practices, can help individuals reclaim agency and pleasure.
Conversations don’t have to be complex: Talking openly about self-objectification, body shame, and media influence can normalize these experiences and reduce shame.
While the science is nuanced and ongoing, one thing is certain: recognizing self-objectification is essential to promoting sexual satisfaction, safety, and well-being.
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Written by Emma Sell-Goodhand, MPH
Emma is a doctoral student and Global One Health Fellow at North Carolina State University studying adolescent sexual health. She brings prior experience as a Technical Advisor at the World Health Organization.
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