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Maren Froemming Thesis 11.18.pdf (931.94 KB)

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The Short Term Effects of Sexually Objectifying Music Lyrics: A Test and Extension of Objectification Theory

Froemming, Maren Wright
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2397-7952
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu14790752724209

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, Psychology/Clinical.
Although considerable research on the effects of sexual objectification of women in visual media (magazines, television, music videos) has demonstrated its potentially harmful effects on women, little research has been done regarding the possible effects of listening to sexually objectifying music. The current study investigated the short-term effects of listening to sexually objectifying music lyrics on state self-objectification, appearance anxiety, body shame, self-surveillance, and negative affect. Participants included fifty-seven college women who were exposed to two songs with either neutral or sexually objectifying lyrics. A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to compare the levels of dependent variables in the experimental condition to those in the control condition. Findings suggested that women in the control condition scored higher on self-objectification (on one of two measures) and self-surveillance. However, no condition differences were found for the other measure of self-objectification or the other dependent variables. I also tested whether the relation between condition and the dependent variables was moderated by trait self-objectification, self-esteem, or internalization of the thin ideal. Moderation analyses revealed several moderating effects of these variables. Only individuals with low trait self-objectification reported more state-self-objectification after listening to the objectifying lyrics. Findings suggested that women who reported average or high levels of thin ideal internalization were sensitive to condition effects on self-surveillance while those low on thin ideal internalization were not. Similarly, individuals in the experimental condition who were high on internalization of the thin ideal experienced higher levels of body shame after listening to objectifying music lyrics than women with low or average internalization of the thin ideal. The results indicate that being even briefly exposed to sexually objectifying lyrics can have negative consequences for women. Limitations, implications, and directions for future research are discussed.
Eric Dubow, Ph.D (Advisor)
William O'Brien, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Dara Musher-Eizenman, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
121 p.
Psychology
Sexual objectification; Women; Media Effects; Self-objectification; Music; Lyrics, Objectification Theory

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Froemming, M. W. (2016). The Short Term Effects of Sexually Objectifying Music Lyrics: A Test and Extension of Objectification Theory [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu14790752724209

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Froemming, Maren. The Short Term Effects of Sexually Objectifying Music Lyrics: A Test and Extension of Objectification Theory. 2016. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu14790752724209.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Froemming, Maren. "The Short Term Effects of Sexually Objectifying Music Lyrics: A Test and Extension of Objectification Theory." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu14790752724209

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu14790752724209
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This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.