Fat, sexy, and human? Perceptions of plus-size sexualized women and dehumanization

Past research suggests that sexualized women are dehumanized and viewing sexualized images negatively impacts viewers' body image; however, plus-size women are mostly absent from this research. The current studies investigate how sexualization impacts dehumanization of plus-size women and participants' body image. In Study 1 (N = 277, Mage = 19.52, SD =1.77) men and women viewed images of plus-size and thin sexualized and non-sexualized women and rated the women on traits linked to dehumanization. Results indicated that sexualized thin targets were perceived as less human than plus-size sexualized and nonsexualized targets. Plus-size sexualized targets were also perceived as less human than plus-size nonsexualized targets. In Study 2 (N = 500, Mage = 18.98, SD = 1.51) we investigated the impact of viewing sexualized images on participants' feelings about their own body. Results indicated that sexualization, but not body size, impacted women's objectified body consciousness. Men's body esteem was impacted by the body size of the image. Perceived race of the image also impacted feelings of body control for both men and women. Taken together these results highlight that sexualization, at any body size, impacts women's views about themselves and sexualized women, at any body size, are dehumanized. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Past research has focused on the dehumanization of sexualized women and the negative impact of viewing sexualized images on viewers' body image, but there is limited research on plus-size women. This study investigated the dehumanization of plus-size women and the impact of sexualization on participants' body image. The results showed that sexualized thin targets were perceived as less human than plus-size sexualized and nonsexualized targets. Plus-size sexualized targets were also perceived as less human than plus-size nonsexualized targets. Sexualization impacted women's objectified body consciousness, and the body size of the image impacted men's body esteem.