The relationship between Sexual Objectification and Women’s Sexual Satisfaction: The role of Self-Objectification and Body Shame

Abstract

The present study examined associations between sexual objectification, self-objectification, and sexual satisfaction. Specifically, it investigated, in line with objectification theory, the direct and indirect effect of sexual objectification on sexual satisfaction through self-objectification. Additionally, the moderating role of body shame on this proposed indirect effect was explored. In a cross-sectional design, 170 Dutch female and primarily university students completed an online survey measuring sexual objectification, self-objectification, body shame, and sexual satisfaction. Data were analyzed using correlational analyses, a mediation analysis, and a moderated mediated analysis, with sexual objectification (B-ISOS) as predictor, sexual satisfaction (GMSS) as outcome variable, self-objectification (SOQ) as a mediator, and body shame (B-OBCS) as a moderator. Correlational analysis showed that, as predicted, a significant relationship between sexual objectification and self-objectification was found. All other predictions, however, were non-significant. Nevertheless, this study contributed to the literature by proposing an expanded model with regard to objectification theory and by leaving interesting options for future research with regard to women’s sexuality.