|
19 February 2007
Report Slams Sexualization Of Girls In Media 
A new report, from the American Psychological Association (APA), says that the proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in the media is harmful to girls' self-image and healthy development. The report was based on research on the content and effects of virtually every form of media, including television, music videos, music lyrics, magazines, movies, video games and the Internet. They also examined recent advertising campaigns and merchandising of products aimed toward girls. The researchers defined sexualization as occurring when a person's value comes only from her/his sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics, and when a person is sexually objectified, e.g., made into a thing for another's sexual use. "The consequences of the sexualization of girls in media today are very real and are likely to be a negative influence on girls' healthy development," says the APA's Eileen L. Zurbriggen. "We have ample evidence to conclude that sexualization has negative effects in a variety of domains, including cognitive functioning, physical and mental health, and healthy sexual development." According to the report, the sexualization of girls negatively affects girls and young women across a variety of health domains, including: - Cognitive and Emotional Consequences
Sexualization and objectification undermine a person's confidence in and comfort with her own body, leading to emotional and self-image problems, such as shame and anxiety. - Mental and Physical Health
Research links sexualization with three of the most common mental health problems diagnosed in girls and women-eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression or depressed mood. - Sexual Development
Research suggests that the sexualization of girls has negative consequences on girls' ability to develop a healthy sexual self-image. Parents, says Zurbriggen, can play a major role in contributing to the sexualization of their daughters, or, can play a protective and educative role. She believes that parents, school officials and doctors should be alert for the potential impact of sexualization on girls and young women. Additionally, she says that schools teach media literacy skills to all students and should include information on the negative effects of the sexualization of girls in media literacy and sex education programs. "The goal should be to deliver messages to all adolescents-boys and girls-that lead to healthy sexual development," she concluded Source: American Psychological Association
Talk About This Article In The Forum...
|
