Do Images Of Aesthetic And Non-Aesthetic Female Athletes Have The Same Impact On Objectification

Female athletes are often depicted in a sexualizing and objectifying manner. Building off objectification theory, previous research has illustrated that when women view sexualized images of female athletes, they report increased self-objectification. Viewing performance images is thought to be beneficial and empowering. However, past research has not parsed apart these images by sport type (aesthetic vs. non-aesthetic). Prior research has demonstrated that the visual process used when viewing sexualized women is different than when viewing sexualized men. Visual processes may provide insight into why viewing sexualized images of female athletes prompts differing self-objectification. The present study combined what is known concerning images of female athletes and visual attention to expand on what images prompt more self-objectification, and whether the focal point of those images offers explanations as to why. Participants were randomized to view sexualized vs. performance images of the same female athletes from either aesthetic or non-aesthetic sports, and then completed a measure of self-objectification and body surveillance. No differences emerged in ratings of self-objectification. However, the type of image viewed did impact visual fixations. Findings suggest that type of sport may not be as influential on self-objectification in the viewer as participants in those particular sports.