How sexual objectification relates to psychopathic traits

What is it about?

Sexual objectification is when someone treats another person as a sex object, rather than a human being with thoughts and feelings. This study explored how sexual objectification is linked to psychopathic and allied personality traits, such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sadism. The researchers used self-report measures to assess these traits and sexual objectification behaviors in two samples of roughly 800 adults.

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Photo by Maru Lombardo on Unsplash

Photo by Maru Lombardo on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is important because it expands our understanding of the psychological factors that contribute to sexual objectification. Sexual objectification can have negative consequences for both the perpetrators and the targets, such as reduced empathy, increased aggression, and lower self-esteem. By identifying the personality traits that are associated with sexual objectification, we can better prevent and intervene in this harmful behavior. This study also highlights the need to consider gender differences and interactions when studying sexual objectification and other forms of interpersonal violence.