Social and Psychological Aspects

Development of a Self-Sexualization Scale

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Abstract

The purpose of the study is to develop a scale to measure self-sexualization, responding to the need for a new scale development based upon the lack of consistency in defining and operationalizing the concept, issues of validity inherent in the existing scales, and shortcomings in measuring the possible dimensions underlying the concept. Dress often plays a central role in many self-sexualization activities. Even when the activity is not dressing the body per se or appearing in a sexualized manner, the body and dress are often featured. We operationalize the self-sexualization as voluntary imposition of sexualization to oneself, with four dimensions adapted from APA's sexualization (APA, 2007). The four scales were developed through a mixed-methods research design with ten steps: Scale 1- Favoring sexual objectification of oneself, Scale 2-Relating sexual desirability to self-esteem, Scale 3 -Equating physical attractiveness with being sexy, and Scale 4 -Contextualizing sexual boundaries.

How to Cite:

Choi, D. & DeLong, M., (2018) “Development of a Self-Sexualization Scale”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 75(1).