Objectification through advertisements: the influence of mass media on mood and selfesteem

Journal title PSICOLOGIA DI COMUNITA’
Author/s Chiara Rollero
Publishing Year 2014 Issue 2013/2 Language Italian
Pages 8 P. 65-72 File size 47 KB
DOI 10.3280/PSC2013-002008
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Objectification is a specific form of dehumanization and implies that an individual is considered as an object, a body, and not as a person. Literature has largely shown that mass media play a key role in fostering objectification processes. Present study aimed at investigating the effects of exposure to objectifying advertisements, considering any effect on mood and self-esteem. 154 University students (53.2% males) participated in the study. Results showed that objectification decreases positive mood, especially when people are exposed to a same-sex model. Moreover, female objectification increases men’s social selfesteem. Implications are discussed.

Keywords: Objectification, advertisements, mood, self-esteem

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Chiara Rollero, L’oggettivazione attraverso gli spot pubblicitari: l’influenza dei media su umore e autostima in "PSICOLOGIA DI COMUNITA’" 2/2013, pp 65-72, DOI: 10.3280/PSC2013-002008