Effects of highly sexualized images of women in visual media on adolescent females' objectified body consciousness and feminine ideology

As women struggle to establish their identity, their perceptions are heavily influenced by mass media images that many times objectify them. The purpose of the study was to understand better the extent to which viewing highly sexualized media images of women affects adolescent self-perception related to body objectification and feminine ideology. Postmodern feminism, social constructivism, and objectification theory guided the study. This quasi-experimental study utilized a sample (n = 97) of female adolescents ranging in age from 14 to 18 who attended a private high school in a large metropolitan area of the southeastern United States. All participants received a pretest and posttest administration of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale and Adolescent Femininity Ideology Scale. Two weeks after the initial administration, participants in the experimental group viewed highly sexualized images of women, and those in the control group viewed neutral images. Data were analyzed using paired t tests and analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). There were no differences between experimental and control groups on Objectified Body Consciousness or Adolescent Femininity Ideology scales; participant scores did not appear to be affected by viewing images. These results held when analyzed by age. Results suggest that perhaps the media effects have already had maximal impact in girls by early adolescence. Implications for social change include a clearer understanding of when and how media impact the way adolescent girls view themselves; this is important for parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and those who shape public policy as they attempt to shape a generation of resilient adolescent females.