People have developed many different ways to cope with stress, such as denial, repression, projection, reaction formation, displacement, sublimation, regression, and rationalization. These are known as psychological defenses, or "mental processes used to protect against threatening material that one cannot handle or integrate into consciousness" (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). When someone is exposed to traumatic events, they can experience negative feelings that may cause them anxiety, depression, and even physical illness if left unchecked. The psyche has evolved to help people deal with these experiences through various defense mechanisms to maintain their mental health.
When individuals become objectified by media or peers, their mental health may be jeopardized due to the constant exposure to sexualized images and messages.
Objectification refers to seeing someone as an object rather than a person with thoughts, emotions, and agency. It occurs when another person reduces an individual's humanity for their own benefit or pleasure without regard for their autonomy, dignity, and well-being.
Sexist advertisements portray women as sex objects who exist solely for male pleasure; this can result in men viewing women as less intelligent, capable, or worthy of respect (Villanueva, 2015). Similarly, slut-shaming involves labeling someone as promiscuous based on perceived behavior, regardless of whether it is true or not (Bartky, 19888). Objectification leads to self-objectification, wherein individuals begin to see themselves as objects that need to conform to societal norms and expectations.
Many psychological defenses develop in response to being objectified by media or peers. First, denial involves refusing to accept reality and avoidance of painful information (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). Individuals may deny the impact of objectification and continue engaging in destructive behaviors despite its negative effects. Repression involves pushing unpleasant thoughts, memories, and desires out of consciousness (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). People might repress any feelings about objectification and ignore its consequences, leading to mental health issues. Projection involves attributing one's unwanted qualities or feelings onto others (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). Someone who feels ashamed of their appearance due to objectification may project those feelings onto other women, seeing them as overly sexualized or vain. Reaction formation involves acting opposite of one's true feelings (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). Women who feel demeaned by sexist advertising might react by embracing traditional feminine roles, such as staying home and caring for children rather than pursuing a career. Displacement involves redirecting feelings toward another person or situation (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). Individuals can displace anger at objectifying messages towards someone else, resulting in aggression or violence. Sublimation involves channeling negative urges into socially acceptable activities (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). Someone might sublimate their desire to be seen as attractive through exercise, fashion, or social media posts that emphasize physical appearance. Regression involves regressing back to an earlier stage of development (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). Children who are subjected to sexualization from a young age may develop sexual fantasies or engage in risky behavior without fully understanding the consequences. Rationalization involves creating false justifications for behavior to avoid guilt or shame (Sternberg & Sternberg, 2016). People might rationalize why they enjoy watching pornography despite knowing it contributes to the sexualization of women.
Psychological defenses developed in response to being objectified by media or peers can lead to mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. These coping mechanisms may offer temporary relief but can cause long-term harm. Self-objectification has been linked with body image issues, poorer relationships, reduced sexual satisfaction, and decreased well-being (Villanueva, 2015; Bartky, 19888; Zillmann et al., 1974). Women who view themselves as objects may feel powerless and helpless when faced with sexism, leading to increased stress levels and mental health concerns (Bartky, 19888).
Men who objectify women may struggle with intimacy and commitment due to their objectifying mindset (Bartky, 19888). To combat these effects, individuals need to be aware of how objectification impacts them and work towards developing healthier ways of coping. They can practice positive affirmations, seek support from loved ones, exercise regularly, and engage in hobbies that promote self-worth beyond appearance. It is essential to challenge societal norms that perpetuate objectification, such as gender roles or slut-shaming, through activism and advocacy. By recognizing the psychological consequences of objectification, we can take steps toward creating a more equitable society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
What psychological defense mechanisms develop in response to being objectified by media or peers?
When people are exposed to sexualized images of women in the media or other forms of objectification, they may develop various psychological defense mechanisms as a way of coping with these experiences. One common mechanism is denial, where individuals reject or minimize the impact of the objectifying experience on their self-image or sense of worthiness. Another mechanism is projection, where individuals attribute negative feelings about themselves to others and blame them for creating a culture that promotes objectification.