Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Psychological and Adventure-based Multicomponent Therapeutic Program for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Pilot Study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health problem with different negative consequences for women's mental health. This pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a multicomponent intervention for battered women using a comparison group design to analyze improvement in self-esteem, self-concept, self-efficacy, body dissatisfaction, and depression. The intervention consisted of an eight-session multicomponent intervention program based on the combination of group psychological therapy and adventure activities. The study sample originally consisted of 34 women IPV victims. Self-report psychological assessment was conducted during the pre-test and post-test while interviews were conducted during the post-test among the experimental group. The results of this pilot study suggest the efficacy of the cognitive-behavioral multicomponent intervention on self-esteem, self-efficacy, and depression in the IPV victims from the experimental group. We conclude that these findings support the efficacy of this psychological intervention program. Practical implications and suggestions are also discussed.

Self-objectification during the perinatal period: The role of body surveillance in maternal and infant wellbeing.

Pregnancy represents a unique time during which women's bodies undergo significant physical changes (e.g., expanding belly, larger breasts, weight gain) that can elicit increased objectification. Experiences of objectification set the stage for women to view themselves as sexual objects (i.e., self-objectification) and is associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Although women may experience heightened self-objectification and behavioral consequences (such as body surveillance) due to the objectification of pregnant bodies in Western cultures, there are remarkably few studies examining objectification theory among women during the perinatal period. The present study investigated the impact of body surveillance, a consequence of self-objectification, on maternal mental health, mother-infant bonding, and infant socioemotional outcomes in a sample of 159 women navigating pregnancy and postpartum. Utilizing a serial mediation model, we found that mothers who endorsed higher levels of body surveillance during pregnancy reported more depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction, which were associated with greater impairments in mother-infant bonding following childbirth and more infant socioemotional dysfunction at 1-year postpartum. Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms emerged as a unique mechanism through which body surveillance predicted bonding impairments and subsequent infant outcomes. Results highlight the critical need for early intervention efforts that not only target general depression, but also promote body functionality and acceptance over the Western "thin ideal" of attractiveness among expecting mothers.

Self-objectification during the perinatal period: The role of body surveillance in maternal and infant wellbeing.

Pregnancy represents a unique time during which women's bodies undergo significant physical changes (e.g., expanding belly, larger breasts, weight gain) that can elicit increased objectification. Experiences of objectification set the stage for women to view themselves as sexual objects (i.e., self-objectification) and is associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Although women may experience heightened self-objectification and behavioral consequences (such as body surveillance) due to the objectification of pregnant bodies in Western cultures, there are remarkably few studies examining objectification theory among women during the perinatal period. The present study investigated the impact of body surveillance, a consequence of self-objectification, on maternal mental health, mother-infant bonding, and infant socioemotional outcomes in a sample of 159 women navigating pregnancy and postpartum. Utilizing a serial mediation model, we found that mothers who endorsed higher levels of body surveillance during pregnancy reported more depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction, which were associated with greater impairments in mother-infant bonding following childbirth and more infant socioemotional dysfunction at 1-year postpartum. Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms emerged as a unique mechanism through which body surveillance predicted bonding impairments and subsequent infant outcomes. Results highlight the critical need for early intervention efforts that not only target general depression, but also promote body functionality and acceptance over the Western "thin ideal" of attractiveness among expecting mothers.

Are Anti-Prostitution Advertising Campaigns Effective? An Experimental Study.

Many governments invest public funds in communication interventions and campaigns against prostitution and sexual exploitation in an attempt to change attitudes toward prostitution and eventually decrease its consumption. Despite the considerable investment that public institutions have made in campaigns against prostitution and sexual slavery, no known empirical studies have evaluated the effectiveness of such campaigns on attitudes and behavioral change. The messages of these campaigns usually center on one of two thematic focuses: Prostituted women who suffer exploitation and male consumers of prostitution. The present study examines the impact of different anti-prostitution advertisements on attitudes among male participants (N = 155 male participants). Specifically, the experiment aims to test the differential effect of these two focuses, compared to a no-advertisement control condition, on social support for prostitution, negative and incorrect beliefs about prostitutes, and family values related to prostitution. The results show that compared with the no-advertisement control condition, advertisements focused on men who use prostitutes have a significant effect on social support toward prostitution and incorrect beliefs about prostitutes, whereas advertisements focused on female prostitutes have no effect. The results have practical implications for governments and councils regarding the efficacy of this kind of public communication campaign against prostitution consumption.

The development and psychometric evaluation of the Objectification Perpetration Scale.

While the literature has shown that sexually objectifying women leads to negative outcomes for the target and perceiver, measures of objectification perpetration are often adaptations of measures designed to assess targets' self-objectification or reported experiences of objectifying behaviors. In the present article, we introduce the Objectification Perpetration Scale (OPS) that assesses not only men's perpetration of objectifying behaviors directed toward women but also their objectifying cognitions and beliefs. Data from 855 men were collected across two studies. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in the first sample revealed two distinct factors and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the second, independent sample, supported the factor structure of the newly developed 16-item OPS, including: sex-based (10 items) and appearance-based (6 items) objectification perpetration. Supporting its construct validity, scores on the OPS and the subscales were positively associated with scores on other measures of objectification perpetration, measures of sexual violence perpetration, and sexual exchange and misogynistic ideologies. The OPS contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the objectification perpetration phenomenon, including objectification that reduces women to either their sexual appeal or appearance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessing Self-Care in Psychologists: A Spanish Adaptation of the SCAP Scale.

BACKGROUND: Psychologists' increased workload over recent years has highlighted the importance of using self-care strategies that allow these professionals to become aware of and control their overall health. Despite the importance of these strategies, there is no instrument adapted for measuring them in the Spanish population. Therefore, this study presents an adaptation of the Self-Care Assessment for Psychologists (SCAP) scale for the Spanish population. METHOD: A total of 368 professional Spanish psychologists ( M age = 40.34, SD = 10.50) participated in the study. First, we obtained validity evidence based on the content using a panel of six experts. Second, we analyzed the dimensionality and internal consistency of the instrument, and we obtained validity evidence based on its relationship with related constructs. RESULTS: A bifactor structure fit the data adequately, and suitable reliability was confirmed. In addition, self-care was associated with lower levels of perceived stress and burnout and higher satisfaction with life. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the SCAP is a reliable, valid instrument that supports the intended interpretation of the SCAP scores about the self-care strategies used by Spanish psychologists.

Are Anti-Prostitution Advertising Campaigns Effective? An Experimental Study

Many governments invest public funds in communication interventions and campaigns against prostitution and sexual exploitation in an attempt to change attitudes toward prostitution and eventually decrease its consumption. Despite the considerable investment that public institutions have made in campaigns against prostitution and sexual slavery, no known empirical studies have evaluated the effectiveness of such campaigns on attitudes and behavioral change. The messages of these campaigns usually center on one of two thematic focuses: Prostituted women who suffer exploitation and male consumers of prostitution. The present study examines the impact of different anti-prostitution advertisements on attitudes among male participants (N = 155 male participants). Specifically, the experiment aims to test the differential effect of these two focuses, compared to a no-advertisement control condition, on social support for prostitution, negative and incorrect beliefs about prostitutes, and family values related to prostitution. The results show that compared with the no-advertisement control condition, advertisements focused on men who use prostitutes have a significant effect on social support toward prostitution and incorrect beliefs about prostitutes, whereas advertisements focused on female prostitutes have no effect. The results have practical implications for governments and councils regarding the efficacy of this kind of public communication campaign against prostitution consumption. (AU)

Assessing Self-Care in Psychologists: A Spanish Adaptation of the SCAP Scale / Evaluación del Autocuidado en Psicólogos: Adaptación Española de laSCAP

Background: Psychologists’ increased workload over recent years hashighlighted the importance of using self-care strategies that allow theseprofessionals to become aware of and control their overall health. Despite the importance of these strategies, there is no instrument adapted formeasuring them in the Spanish population. Therefore, this study presentsan adaptation of the Self-Care Assessment for Psychologists (SCAP) scalefor the Spanish population. Method: A total of 368 professional Spanishpsychologists (Mage = 40.34, SD = 10.50) participated in the study. First, weobtained validity evidence based on the content using a panel of six experts. Second, we analyzed the dimensionality and internal consistency of theinstrument, and we obtained validity evidence based on its relationship with related constructs. Results: A bifactor structure fit the data adequately,and suitable reliability was confirmed. In addition, self-care was associatedwith lower levels of perceived stress and burnout and higher satisfactionwith life. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the SCAP is a reliable,valid instrument that supports the intended interpretation of the SCAPscores about the self-care strategies used by Spanish psychologists.

Antecedentes: el aumento de la carga de trabajo al que se han vistosometidos los/as psicólogos/as en los últimos años ha puesto de relieve laimportancia del uso de estrategias de autocuidado que permitan a estosprofesionales tomar conciencia y controlar su salud. A pesar de la relevanciade estas estrategias, en España no existe un instrumento adecuado paramedirlas. Este estudio presenta la adaptación española de la escala deAutocuidado de Psicólogos/as (SCAP). Método: 368 psicólogos/asespañoles (Medad = 40.34, DT = 10.50) participaron en el estudio. Primero,obtuvimos evidencias de validez basadas en el contenido utilizando unpanel de seis expertos/as. Finalmente, analizamos la dimensionalidad yconsistencia interna del instrumento y obtuvimos evidencias de validez enrelación con otros constructos. Resultados: la estructura bifactor se ajustóadecuadamente a los datos y la fiabilidad fue adecuada. El autocuidadose asoció con menores niveles de estrés percibido y burnout y mayorsatisfacción con la vida. CConclusiones: la versión en español del SCAPes un instrumento fiable y válido que apoya la interpretación de laspuntuaciones propuesta para la SCAP sobre las estrategias de autocuidadoutilizadas por los/as psicólogos/as españoles.

The Role of Interpersonal Sexual Objectification in Heterosexual Intimate Partner Violence From Perspectives of Perceivers and Targets.

Sexual objectification is a subtle manifestation of sexist discrimination and violence against women that involves seeing and treating women as sex objects of male sexual desire. The primary aim of this research was to connect sexual objectification experiences with heterosexual intimate partner violence. This set of studies examined the impact of sexual objectification on intimate partner violence for both the female victim (Study 1) and the male perpetrator (Study 2). Female (Study 1) and male (Study 2) participants were asked to rate the extent they are victims or perpetrators of sexual objectification experiences and intimate partner violence. Moreover, women's self-silencing and men's ascriptions of humanity and empathy (through empathic concern and perspective taking) toward their partner was assessed. The results of the first study (including 154 heterosexual women) showed that general sexual objectification victimization indirectly leads to higher psychological and physical violence through the internalization of self-silence schemas. The second study (including 165 heterosexual men) demonstrated a link between general sexual objectification perpetration and psychological and physical intimate partner violence. Moreover, the relation between men's perpetration of objectification and intimate partner violence was mediated by ascriptions of humanity and empathic concern toward their female partner (but not through perspective taking toward her). Results of both studies demonstrate the effect of sexual objectification (as target or perpetrator) on global intimate partner violence and explain the different psychological mechanisms through which it takes place depending on the gendered perspective. Theoretical implications and practical considerations for interventions on intimate partner violence are discussed.

A Multicomponent Program to Improve Self-Concept and Self-Esteem among Intimate Partner Violence Victims: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health problem that affects one-third of women aged 15 around the world. Interventions for IPV victims are essential for women's self-esteem and self-concept recovery. This project aims to assess the effects of an eight-session multicomponent intervention program based on group psychological therapy and adventure activities in (1) self-esteem, (2) self-concept, (3) body image, (4) self-efficacy and (5) depression symptomatology in IPV victims. METHODS/DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled pilot study, with experimental and control group, will be carried out. 34 IPV female victims will be recruited and equally assigned to the experimental (n = 17) or the control (n = 17) group. Primary outcome measures will include self-esteem, while secondary measures will be focused on self-concept, body image, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms. Intention to treat and efficacy statistical analyses will be also performed. DISCUSSION: This project will explore the effects of a new multicomponent program which includes cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions and outdoor adventure activities on affective and emotional variables, often affected in IPV victims. In addition, orientations to incorporate the main findings into the community based IPV resources and victims' services will be provided.

Adolescent Sexting: The Role of Body Shame, Social Physique Anxiety, and Social Networking Site Addiction.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between body shame and participation in sexting among adolescents by examining the mediational roles of social physique anxiety and misuse of social networking sites (SNSs). Four hundred thirty-nine adolescents completed self-report measures for assessing their levels of body shame, social physique anxiety, SNS addiction symptoms, and sexting participation. Female adolescents reported higher scores in body shame, social physique anxiety, and SNS addiction symptoms, whereas male adolescents reported higher participation in sexting behaviors. In addition, gender did not moderate the relationship between body shame and higher sexting behaviors. Finally, the results showed an indirect (but not a direct) association between body shame and sexting behaviors through social physique anxiety and SNS addiction symptoms. These findings provide empirical evidence for the development of sexting prevention programs that are focused on body acceptance with the aim of reducing body shame, social physique anxiety, and SNS addiction.

The Effect of Prescription Drugs and Alcohol Consumption on Intimate Partner Violence Victim Blaming.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a public health problem with harsh consequences for women's well-being. Social attitudes towards victims of IPV have a big impact on the perpetuation of this phenomenon. Moreover, specific problems such as the abuse of alcohol and drugs by IPV victims could have an effect on blame attributions towards them. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the external perception (Study 1) and self-perception (Study 2) of blame were influenced by the victims' use and abuse of alcohol or by the victims' use of psychotropic prescription drugs. Results of the first study (N = 136 participants) showed a significantly higher blame attribution towards female victims with alcohol abuse compared to those without it. No significant differences were found on blame attributed to those with psychotropic prescription drugs abuse and the control group. Results of the second study (N = 195 female victims of interpersonal violence) showed that alcohol consumption is associated with higher self-blame and self-blame cognitions among IPV victims. However, results did not show significant differences on self-blame associated to the victims' use of psychotropic prescription drugs. Our findings indicate that alcohol consumption, but not prescription drugs use, plays a relevant role in the attribution of blame by general population and self-blame by victims of IPV.

The Social Interaction Model of Objectification: A process model of goal-based objectifying exchanges between men and women.

People perceive and treat women as sex objects in social exchanges. The interaction processes through which women are objectified, however, have rarely been considered. To address this gap in the literature, we propose the Social Interaction Model of Objectification (SIMO). Rooted in social exchange and objectification theories, the SIMO predicts objectifying behaviours stemming from sexual goals between men and women. We propose that the behavioural dynamics of objectification can be understood through a series of goal-based exchange processes that are shaped by patriarchy. Articulating the SIMO and its predictions for behaviour in social interactions, we describe the scant social psychological studies in this area. Not only is the SIMO useful for understanding objectifying interaction processes, but it can be used to understand why women sometimes evaluate objectification positively as well as instances of sexual violence. Finally, we discuss critical directions for future research and provide promising methodological approaches for testing the SIMO.

Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Experiences: Psychological and Social Well-Being Consequences for Women.

Sexual objectification as a form of sexist discrimination accounts for the higher prevalence of psychological problems among women. More specifically, sexual objectification manifests itself in different ways with different intensities, in turn affecting women's psychological well-being differently. On one hand, experiences of body evaluation are more subtle and work by perpetuating sexist attitudes among women themselves. On the other hand, more explicit forms of sexual objectification (unwanted explicit sexual advances) are linked to higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of self-esteem. The first study, on a sample of 343 Spanish women, aims to analyze the consequences of different forms of sexual objectification on women's psychological well-being and the effect of sexism and enjoyment of objectification on these consequences. The second study, on a sample of 144 Spanish women, focuses on analyzing the ideological variables that have an effect on response to acts of sexist discrimination. Both studies reveal the significance of the more subtle experiences of sexual objectification as a mechanism that plays a part in keeping women in a subordinate position, where they end up feeling that this process is positive or pleasing.

The Detrimental Effect of Sexual Objectification on Targets' and Perpetrators' Sexual Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Sexual Coercion.

Sexual objectification is a variable to consider for understanding the sexual violence that takes place into intimate context. The set of studies presented here aims to connect sexual objectification phenomena with sexual coercion and explore the consequences that both have on sexual satisfaction. Two studies examined the association between sexual objectification and sexual satisfaction for both views: female target (Study 1) and male perpetrator (Study 2) perspectives. The results of the first study (n = 138 heterosexual women) demonstrated that perceiving partner objectification (but not reporting general sexual objectification victimization) is indirectly linked to a lower sexual satisfaction because of lower rejection and higher sexual coercion rates. The second study (n = 136 heterosexual men) showed the indirect effect of partner objectification and general sexual objectification perpetration on sexual satisfaction after sexual coercion perpetration. Results of both studies demonstrated the negative consequences that sexual objectification has on sexual satisfaction for both male perpetrators and female targets.

Prevalence of hepatic steatosis as assessed by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in subjects with metabolic risk factors in primary care. A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Primary care is the ideal setting for early identification of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a potentially progressive disease that may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer but is frequently underrecognized because subjects at risk are often not evaluated. Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is a reliable method for non-invasive quantification of liver fat. It has the advantage of simultaneous measurement of liver stiffness (LS), an estimate of liver fibrosis. There is no information on CAP in subjects with risk factors from primary care. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of hepatic steatosis, as estimated by CAP, in subjects from the community with metabolic risk factors and correlate findings with clinical and biochemical characteristics and LS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Population-based study of 215 subjects with metabolic risk factors without known liver disease identified randomly from a primary care center. A control group of 80 subjects matched by age and sex without metabolic risk factors was also studied. CAP and LS were assessed using Fibroscan. RESULTS: Subjects with risk factors had CAP values higher than those of control group (268±64 vs 243±49dB/m,p<0.001). Prevalence of severe steatosis (CAP> 280dB/m) in subjects with risk factors was 43%. In multivariate analysis, fatty liver index (FLI) and HOMA were independent predictive factors of severe steatosis. There was a direct correlation between CAP and FLI values (r = 0.52,p<0.001). Interestingly, prevalence of increased LS was 12.6% in the risk group vs 0% in the control group (p<0.001). Increased LS occurred predominantly in subjects with high CAP values. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of subjects with metabolic risk factors seen in primary care have severe steatosis. FLI could be used as a surrogate of CAP. Increased LS was found in a significant proportion of subjects with risk factors but not in control subjects.

The Spanish adaptation of the Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale (ISOS).

BACKGROUND: Sexual objectification of women is a subtle manifestation of gender violence. The aim of this study was to adapt the 15-item Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale (ISOS) to Spanish to obtain a valid instrument to evaluate this construct. METHOD: After its adaptation, the questionnaire was administered to 771 women from the general population. Subsequently, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated from both the classical perspective and item response theory. RESULTS: The data obtained were very similar to those of the original version. The ISOS showed good internal consistency and a two-factor structure: body evaluation and unwanted explicit sexual advances. In addition, the ISOS showed correlations with benevolent sexism, state-anxiety and self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the ISOS is a reliable and valid measure of sexual objectification of women in the interpersonal context.

The Spanish Adaptation of the Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale (ISOS) / Adaptación española de la Escala de Cosificación Sexual Interpersonal (ISOS)

BACKGROUND: Sexual objectification of women is a subtle manifestation of gender violence. The aim of this study was to adapt the 15-item Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale (ISOS) to Spanish to obtain a valid instrument to evaluate this construct. METHOD: After its adaptation, the questionnaire was administered to 771 women from the general population. Subsequently, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated from both the classical perspective and item response theory. RESULTS: The data obtained were very similar to those of the original version. The ISOS showed good internal consistency and a two factor structure: body evaluation and unwanted explicit sexual advances. In addition, the ISOS showed correlations with benevolent sexism, state anxiety and self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the ISOS is a reliable and valid measure of sexual objectification of women in the interpersonal context

ANTECEDENTES: la cosificación sexual de la mujer es una manifestación sutil de violencia de género. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar la adaptación al español de la escala Interpersonal Sexual Objectification (ISOS) de 15 ítems para contar con un instrumento adecuado a la hora de evaluar dicho constructo. MÉTODO: tras adaptar el cuestionario se aplicó a 771 mujeres de población general. Posteriormente se evaluó las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario desde la perspectiva clásica y de Teoría de la Respuesta a los Ítems. RESULTADOS: los datos obtenidos fueron muy similares a los de la versión original. La ISOS mostró muy buena consistencia interna y una estructura bifactorial: evaluación corporal y aproximaciones explícitas no deseadas. Además, la ISOS mostró correlaciones con sexismo benévolo, ansiedad-estado y autoestima. CONCLUSIONES: la versión española de la ISOS se muestra como una medida fiable y válida de cosificación sexual de la mujer en el contexto interpersonal

¿Empoderamiento o subyugación de la mujer? Experiencias de cosificación sexual interpersonal / Is Empowerment or women’s subjugation? Experiences of interpersonal sexual objectification

La cosificación sexual interpersonal es la reducción de una mujer a su cuerpo o partes de éste. Este fenómeno puede ser considerado como una forma de discriminación sexista, en la que una mujer es tratada de manera diferente minimizando la importancia de sus atributos internos. Este estudio, en el que se incluyeron 251 participantes de población general, tiene como objetivo analizar el fenómeno de la cosificación sexual interpersonal en hombres y mujeres, y su relación con variables ideológicas (sexismo y poder), autoestima y disfrute de la sexualización. Los resultados mostraron diferencias de género en la cosificación sexual interpersonal, de modo que las mujeres experimentaron en mayor medida experiencias de cosificación en sus relaciones interpersonales. Además, se observó un patrón diferencial de las variables relacionadas con las experiencias de cosificación en función del género. En hombres, la autoestima y el poder fueron variables relacionadas con una mayor percepción de cosificación. En concreto, el poder predice una mayor percepción de cosificación y esta relación estuvo mediada por el disfrute de la sexualización. En las mujeres, es el sexismo benévolo el que lleva a una mayor percepción de cosificación sexual interpersonal y esta relación estuvo mediada por el disfrute de la sexualización (AU)

Interpersonal sexual objectification is defined as the act of reducing a woman to her body or body parts. It could be considered as a form of sexist discrimination, in which women have a differential treatment minimizing the importance of their inner qualities. The aim of this study, in which involved 251participants, was to analyze the perception of interpsersonal sexual objectification in men and women. In addition, we examined the relationship between the interpersonal sexual objectification and ideological variables (sexism and power) as well as self-esteem and enjoyment of sexualization. Results showed gender differences in interpersonal sexual objectification. Women experienced more sexual objectification in their interpersonal relationships. Also, results showed the effect of gender in the variables that predicted interpersonal sexual objectification. In men, self-esteem and power were related with more experiences of sexual objectification. Specifically, power predited the perception of objectification and this effect was mediated by enjoyment of sexualization. However, in women, benevolent sexism predicted the perception of interpersonal sexual objectification and this effect was mediated by enjoyment of sexualization (AU)