The Effects of Exposure to Catcalling on Women’s State Self-Objectification and Body Image

Abstract

Previous research has shown that sexual harassment has potential influence on women’s well-being and body image. This study evaluated the effects of exposure to catcalling, which is the specific instance of sexual harassment on the street by strangers, on women’s state body image and state self-objectification. The participants were randomized into experimental and control groups and were pre-tested to determine their state body image and self-objectification. The participants then watched one of two videos. The experimental video included four women being catcalled by a man while they walked down the street. The control video was set up on the exact same street, with the exact same women, but without the catcalling. Finally, participants completed a post-test questionnaire to measure their state body image and self-objectification as well as their trait body image and self-objectification. Results showed that there were no significant differences between the control and experimental groups regarding either body image or self-objectification. Bayes factor analyses confirmed the results as null.