Abstract
Concern is often expressed that mass media contribute to the early sexualization of young girls; however, few empirical studies
have explored the topic. Using paper dolls, we examined self-sexualization among sixty 6–9 year-old girls from the Midwestern
United States; specifically self-identification, preference, and attributions regarding sexualized dress. Based on simultaneous
maternal reports, we also investigated potential risk factors (media consumption hours, maternal self-objectification) and
potential protective factors (maternal television mediation, maternal religiosity) for young girls’ sexualization. Findings
support social cognitive theory/social learning theory and reveal nuanced moderated effects in addition to linear main effects.
Girls overwhelmingly chose the sexualized doll over the non-sexualized doll for their ideal self and as popular; however,
dance studio enrollment, maternal instructive TV mediation, and maternal religiosity reduced those odds. Surprisingly, the
mere quantity of girls’ media consumption (tv and movies) was unrelated to their self-sexualization for the most part; rather,
maternal self-objectification and maternal personal religiosity moderated its effects.
have explored the topic. Using paper dolls, we examined self-sexualization among sixty 6–9 year-old girls from the Midwestern
United States; specifically self-identification, preference, and attributions regarding sexualized dress. Based on simultaneous
maternal reports, we also investigated potential risk factors (media consumption hours, maternal self-objectification) and
potential protective factors (maternal television mediation, maternal religiosity) for young girls’ sexualization. Findings
support social cognitive theory/social learning theory and reveal nuanced moderated effects in addition to linear main effects.
Girls overwhelmingly chose the sexualized doll over the non-sexualized doll for their ideal self and as popular; however,
dance studio enrollment, maternal instructive TV mediation, and maternal religiosity reduced those odds. Surprisingly, the
mere quantity of girls’ media consumption (tv and movies) was unrelated to their self-sexualization for the most part; rather,
maternal self-objectification and maternal personal religiosity moderated its effects.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s11199-012-0183-x
- Authors
- Christine R. Starr, Department of Psychology, Knox College, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
- Gail M. Ferguson, Department of Psychology, Knox College, 2 East South Street, Box 120, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
- Journal Sex Roles
- Online ISSN 1573-2762
- Print ISSN 0360-0025