The Relationship Between Sexual Objectification and Self-Objectification, Adult Romantic Attachment, and Relationship Satisfaction

Abstract

Sexual objectification has been shown to result in numerous negative consequences (Frederickson & Roberts, 1997). Yet, research on sexual objectification in romantic relationships is limited. The present study investigated sexual objectification among a sample of 140 individuals in committed romantic relationships. The study investigated whether sexual objectification of oneself and one’s romantic partner accounted for the variance in relationship satisfaction, after accounting for the variance in relationship satisfaction attributable to attachment. The initial hypothesis predicted that attachment type, level of partner-objectification, and level of self-objectification would be associated with relationship satisfaction. Results indicated that partner-objectification and attachment style, but not self-objectification, significantly predicted relationship satisfaction. The study hypothesized that men would engage in partner-objectification more than women and women would self-objectify more than men. Results indicated that gender had a significant effect on self-objectification; women engaged in self-objectification more than men. The study sought to explore whether main variables differed due to sexual orientation. Interestingly, attachment, partner-objectification, self-objectification, and relationship satisfaction did not differ based on participants’ sexual orientation. Results suggest that the relational processes involved in forming attachments, susceptibility to self- and partner-objectification, and relationship satisfaction in a romantic partnership are similar among heterosexuals and sexual minorities. Last, the study found no correlation between level of physical attractiveness and partner-objectification. This finding indicates that physical attractiveness and sexual objectification are separate constructs, and that individuals of various levels of attractiveness are susceptible to objectification. The present study highlights aspects that promote relationship satisfaction, while exploring the complex role of sexual objectification in the context of romantic relationships.