Image Sexualization and Self-Sexualization in Women: The Role of Sexualized Cultural Product Consumption and Age

Abstract

Aesthetic and sexualized ideals of women have become an imperative for social acceptance, contributing to the sexualization of female self-image. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the consumption of sexualized cultural products and its relationship with self-sexualization and the sexualization of women in photographs, additionally exploring the role of age in these phenomena. A total of 964 Ecuadorian women participated (M = 29.74 years; SD = 11.93), who were grouped into three age cohorts: young adults (18–29 years), middle-aged adults (30–49 years), and mature adults (50–69 years). Instruments included an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, a survey on consumption of sexualized cultural products, the Image Sexualization Scale, and the Self-Sexualization Scale. Results showed that consumption of sexualized products significantly predicted both photo sexualization and self-sexualization, while age played a relevant role only in photo sexualization, suggesting that self-sexualization might be influenced by other factors. The findings of this study are discussed.