Researchers have explored how sexualization influences different aspects of social life including communication, gender roles, power dynamics, and relationship maintenance.
Little research has been conducted to understand the role of sexualization in building trust and psychological safety. This paper seeks to explore this issue using theoretical models and empirical evidence.
Trust is an essential component of interpersonal relationships that enables individuals to feel safe when interacting with others. Psychological safety refers to the individual's perception of being valued, heard, respected, and accepted for who they are without fear of judgment, criticism, or rejection. Trust-building involves establishing mutual expectations about each other's intentions and behavior. It entails openness, honesty, reliability, empathy, and respect.
Theoretical Models
Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange theory posits that people exchange resources such as affection, intimacy, love, and support for reciprocal benefits like comfort, security, and protection. When both parties share their needs and desires, they develop a strong emotional bond and commitment leading to trust-building. The trustworthiness of a person is determined by their past performance and future promises.
Attribution Theory
This model suggests that individuals attribute causes of behaviors to themselves or others and use those attributions to determine whether to trust someone. If someone attributes their actions to internal factors like abilities, skills, knowledge, or intention, it signifies trustworthiness and predictability. When external factors cause their actions, distrust follows.
Empirical Evidence
Studies on Trust and Sexualization
Studies have found that sexualized interactions reduce trust in romantic relationships because they lead to anxiety, uncertainty, vulnerability, self-doubt, and self-consciousness. This results from the perceived threat to one's identity, autonomy, privacy, and safety.
One study showed that women who were sexually objectified felt less trust in their partner than those who weren't.
Studies on Psychological Safety and Sexualization
Another study explored how sexualization affects psychological safety by examining its effects on empathy, acceptance, and validation. It found that when individuals experienced sexualization, they perceived less empathy, acceptance, and validation from their partners which undermined their psychological safety.
In what ways do sexualized perceptions influence trust-building and psychological safety?
The concept of "sexualized perception" refers to the social construction of sex differences and their impact on interpersonal interactions. Research shows that men and women perceive and interpret each other's behavior differently due to gender stereotypes and expectations. In particular, sexualization can lead to misunderstandings and distrust between genders as they may interpret each other's actions through their respective lenses.