Many young women find themselves trapped in the exhausting cycle of self-objectification—constantly monitoring how they appear to others rather than focusing on their own experiences, ambitions, and inner world. If you’ve ever hesitated to express yourself because of the fear of what they might think, or felt pressured to conform to external expectations at the cost of your authenticity, this is for you. The weight of societal judgment, social media scrutiny, and ingrained beauty standards can create a distorted self-image where you feel more like an accessory than a fully realized individual. This exploration will help you shift from external validation to self-actualization, offering strategies to break free from the ‘Ominous They,’ challenge self-objectifying thoughts, and develop a strong, purpose-driven identity. By reclaiming your perception, you’ll learn to see yourself not as a reflection in someone else’s eyes but as a force of intelligence, creativity, and impact.
Introduction: The Struggle of Seeing Oneself Through Others’ Eyes
What is Self-Objectification?
Self-objectification occurs when a person views themselves primarily as an external entity, focusing more on how they appear to others rather than on their internal thoughts, desires, and experiences. This psychological phenomenon often leads to constant self-monitoring, where decisions are made based on how one might be perceived rather than what genuinely aligns with one’s personal values.
For many young women, this starts subtly—adjusting posture to look more “presentable,” choosing outfits based on what’s deemed “appropriate,” or even altering interests and speech to blend in. Over time, this externalized self-perception becomes an ingrained habit, shaping everything from social interactions to career choices. When one’s worth is tethered to external approval, it creates a fragile identity that is at the mercy of fleeting social norms and opinions.
The Double-Edged Sword of External Validation
Seeking external validation isn’t inherently negative. In fact, adapting to social expectations can open doors—helping women navigate professional spaces, cultivate relationships, and gain social acceptance quickly. Social awareness is a valuable skill, allowing for smoother interactions and fostering a sense of belonging.
However, the danger arises when this adaptation becomes excessive, leading to compulsive self-surveillance. Instead of being a tool for social navigation, external validation turns into a requirement for self-worth. When a woman starts shaping her identity solely around what is palatable to others, she loses the ability to make choices that genuinely fulfill her.
This leads to a paradox: the more one strives to fit an external mold, the less authentic and self-assured they feel. The effort to avoid judgment often results in hyper-awareness, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to enjoy life without the constant weight of perceived scrutiny.
Introducing the ‘Ominous They’
At the heart of self-objectification lies a concept many women unconsciously battle: the Ominous They. This is the collective, often imagined, group of people whose judgment feels inescapable. It could be peers, family, colleagues, social media followers, or even society at large. The Ominous They operate as an invisible but powerful force, dictating what is deemed acceptable, respectable, or desirable.
Women who internalize this force may find themselves asking:
- “What will they think if I dress differently?”
- “Will they laugh at me if I pursue this hobby?”
- “What if they say I’ve changed?”
- “Will they still like me if I don’t fit their expectations?”
This omnipresent voice creates an invisible barrier, making authentic self-expression feel risky or even impossible. It discourages women from making bold choices, pursuing unconventional passions, or simply existing without the burden of external scrutiny. Understanding and dismantling this internalized fear is key to breaking free from self-objectification.
The Goal of This Article
This article aims to:
- Explore the psychology of self-objectification—why it happens and how it impacts confidence, decision-making, and long-term happiness.
- Unpack the concept of the Ominous They—how this collective force develops and influences behavior.
- Provide actionable strategies to shift from an externally focused mindset to an internally fulfilling one, fostering self-acceptance and independence.
By understanding these dynamics, women can begin to reclaim their identity, replacing self-objectification with self-actualization—where personal growth, purpose, and joy take precedence over social conformity.
📖 Real-Life Example: A Story of Lost and Found Passion
At 15, Maya was a passionate artist. She spent hours sketching, painting, and experimenting with colors. But as she grew older, she began to notice something—her peers didn’t view art as “cool.” The people she admired seemed more interested in fashion, social media trends, and mainstream career goals. Slowly, she internalized the idea that her passion was childish, unimportant, or even embarrassing.
So, Maya stopped drawing. She replaced her creative time with activities that aligned with what others valued. For years, she ignored the quiet longing to create, suppressing it to maintain social harmony.
Years later, during a stressful period in college, she impulsively picked up a sketchbook again. The moment she let herself draw without fear of judgment, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy. It was a wake-up call—she had abandoned something she loved, not because it lacked value, but because she had allowed the Ominous They to dictate her self-worth.
Now, Maya paints again—not for approval, not for validation, but because it brings her peace. Her art is no longer about what others think—it’s about what she feels.
Her story is a reminder: self-objectification can lead to abandoning parts of yourself. But they can always be reclaimed.
The ‘Ominous They’ – The Fear of External Judgment
How Women Develop This Fear
The fear of external judgment isn’t something women wake up with one day—it’s deeply ingrained, built through years of conditioning from various sources:
- Family Expectations: From an early age, many girls are taught to be “proper,” “polite,” and “presentable.” While these lessons are often well-intentioned, they subtly instill the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to how others perceive her.
- Peer Influence: Social circles reinforce the notion of fitting in. Those who deviate from group norms—whether in appearance, interests, or behavior—risk exclusion or ridicule.
- Media Representation: Movies, advertisements, and pop culture often present women as objects to be admired rather than as complex individuals with depth. This portrayal teaches young women to see themselves through an external lens, constantly assessing whether they measure up.
- Cultural Expectations: Societal norms dictate how women “should” behave, dress, and express themselves. The invisible rulebook varies by culture, but the underlying message remains the same: deviation invites criticism.
- The Role of Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify the illusion of scrutiny. The curated, highlight-reel nature of social media fosters comparison and self-consciousness, making it feel as though every action is being judged in real-time.
Over time, these influences create a hyper-awareness of external perception. Women begin filtering their actions through an imagined audience’s perspective, prioritizing social acceptance over personal fulfillment.
Psychological Perspective
The ‘Looking-Glass Self’ Theory
Developed by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley, this theory suggests that our self-concept is shaped by how we think others perceive us. We imagine how we appear to others, interpret their reactions, and adjust our behavior accordingly.
For women, this means that even in solitude, an imagined audience is present—evaluating, approving, or disapproving. The Ominous They doesn’t need to be real; the fear of potential judgment is enough to shape decisions.
The Male Gaze Concept
Coined by film theorist Laura Mulvey, the male gaze refers to how women are often portrayed in media as objects of male desire. This concept extends beyond movies and advertisements—it subtly conditions women to self-police their actions, anticipating how they might be viewed through an external lens.
This self-policing leads to:
- Modifying body language to appear more appealing.
- Dressing for approval rather than personal comfort.
- Curating speech and opinions to seem agreeable.
- Abandoning interests that don’t align with conventional femininity.
While originally linked to male perception, the self-objectifying gaze eventually applies to all social interactions. Women internalize the idea that they must present themselves in a way that pleases someone—whether that’s men, peers, or society at large.
The Reality Check
Despite this deep-rooted fear of judgment, the truth is: most people are too preoccupied with themselves to constantly evaluate others.
- People are often wrapped up in their own insecurities, social pressures, and daily struggles.
- Judgment, when it does occur, is usually fleeting and forgotten within minutes.
- Even those who criticize others are often projecting their own fears and expectations.
The weight of imagined scrutiny is far heavier than the reality of how often people actually care. Recognizing this is the first step toward breaking free from the grip of the Ominous They.
🧠 Thought Exercise: Rewriting the Fear Narrative
Think of a time when you held back from doing something you loved due to the fear of judgment. Maybe it was wearing a bold outfit, speaking your mind, or pursuing a passion.
Now, ask yourself:
- What’s the worst that would have happened if you had ignored that fear?
- Would you have actually faced real consequences, or was it just imagined discomfort?
- What did you miss out on by choosing fear over fulfillment?
Challenging these assumptions helps dismantle the invisible barriers that keep women from fully expressing themselves.
The Doll Effect – How Women Become Accessories in Their Own Lives
The ‘Doll’ Syndrome: The Pressure to Be Pleasing, Ornamental, and Performative
From a young age, many women are subtly (or overtly) conditioned to believe that their primary role is to be pleasing—to look good, act agreeable, and fit into societal expectations. This phenomenon can be described as the Doll Effect, where women are expected to function as beautiful accessories rather than as dynamic individuals with evolving goals, interests, and desires.
This pressure manifests in several ways:
- Hyper-Focus on Physical Appearance: Women are often taught that their value is tied to how they look, leading to a lifelong investment in maintaining an “ideal” image.
- Social Approval as a Primary Goal: Many women feel the need to perform a specific version of femininity that aligns with what is expected in their culture or social circle.
- Emotional Suppression for Likeability: Expressing strong opinions, setting boundaries, or showing complexity may be discouraged in favor of being “pleasant” and “agreeable.”
While refining social skills and presenting oneself well can be beneficial, the problem arises when appearance and likability overshadow personal fulfillment and growth.
How This Limits Growth
When excessive attention is placed on how one is perceived rather than what one can do, it significantly restricts potential.
Diverting Energy from Skills and Purpose:
Women who constantly self-monitor their looks and behavior often have less time, energy, and mental space to invest in developing skills, knowledge, and meaningful projects.Fear of Breaking the Mold:
The pressure to conform discourages risk-taking. Women may avoid unconventional career paths, hobbies, or leadership positions because they fear criticism or rejection.Shallow Validation vs. Deep Fulfillment:
Seeking external validation (likes, compliments, approval) provides temporary satisfaction, but it rarely leads to long-term fulfillment. In contrast, personal achievements—whether creative, intellectual, or professional—offer lasting confidence.
Breaking Free: From Being a ‘Doll’ to Becoming a ‘Doer’
Escaping the Doll Effect doesn’t mean neglecting self-care or social grace. Instead, it means shifting the focus from looking good to doing good, from pleasing others to pleasing yourself.
Here’s how:
- Shift the Narrative: Instead of asking, “How do I appear to others?”, ask, “What do I truly want to create, contribute, and experience?”
- Develop Skills That Grow With Time: Beauty fades, but skills—whether artistic, intellectual, or leadership-based—only improve. Prioritize learning and personal development.
- Detach Self-Worth from Social Approval: Accept that not everyone will like or approve of your choices, and that’s okay.
- Embrace Self-Definition: Decide for yourself who you want to be beyond societal expectations. This includes exploring new interests, expressing opinions without fear, and making bold choices.
📖 Real-Life Example: The Shift from Perfection to Purpose
For years, Maya believed her worth was in looking flawless. She meticulously curated her outfits, makeup, and Instagram presence, ensuring she fit society’s mold of an “ideal woman.” However, despite the admiration she received, she often felt hollow, as if she were playing a role rather than living her life.
One day, she decided to shift her focus. She started a small business, wrote a book, and deepened her friendships beyond surface-level interactions. As she built something meaningful, she realized that true confidence didn’t come from looking perfect—it came from creating and contributing.
Maya’s transformation highlights an important truth: when women reclaim their time, energy, and self-worth from societal expectations, they step into lives of greater impact, fulfillment, and authenticity.
The Self-Objectifying Thought Cycle & How to Break It
Common Thought Patterns: The External Lens of Judgment
For many women, a constant inner commentary revolves around how they are perceived by others. This pattern often sounds like:
- “What must he think of me?”
- “Will she think I’m too different now?”
- “What if they think I’ve changed?”
- “Do I look acceptable enough?”
- “Will I be liked more if I act a certain way?”
These thoughts are not always conscious, but they subtly shape decisions—from how women dress to the career paths they pursue, the hobbies they abandon, and even the way they speak in conversations.
This self-surveillance can be exhausting. Over time, it reinforces the belief that a woman’s worth is tied to how well she aligns with societal expectations rather than her own desires and aspirations.
Shifting to Self-Directed Questions: Cultivating an Internal Lens
Breaking free from self-objectification doesn’t mean disregarding social awareness altogether. Rather, it means shifting from an external validation framework to an internal fulfillment framework.
Instead of:
✅ “What must they think?” → Ask: “Do I like this?”
✅ “What if they don’t approve?” → Ask: “How does this align with my values?”
✅ “Am I being judged right now?” → Ask: “What do I want for myself?”
These shifts may seem small, but they are powerful. They help women reorient their sense of self-worth from an outside-in perspective to an inside-out one.
Cognitive Strategies: Rewiring the Internal Dialogue
Practicing Mindfulness to Catch Objectifying Thoughts
- Throughout the day, observe your thoughts.
- When you catch yourself thinking about how you appear to others, pause and redirect your focus to how you feel about yourself.
Using Self-Affirmations to Reinforce an Internal Sense of Worth
- Start the day with affirmations like:
- “I define my own worth.”
- “I am allowed to prioritize my happiness.”
- “My value is based on my actions, not how I am perceived.”
- Start the day with affirmations like:
Engaging in ‘Self-Prioritization’ Exercises
- Make small decisions daily that are based purely on your own preferences, not on external opinions.
- Example: Wear an outfit you love just because—without thinking about how it will be perceived.
🧠 Thought Exercise: A Day Without External Judgment
For one full day, challenge yourself to make every decision based solely on your personal desires.
- Choose what to wear based only on what makes you feel good.
- Speak in conversations without filtering yourself based on expected reactions.
- Engage in a hobby or activity without wondering how others might perceive it.
At the end of the day, reflect:
- How did it feel to prioritize your own thoughts over imagined judgments?
- Were there moments of discomfort? If so, why?
- Did you feel a sense of freedom, even if it was unfamiliar?
This exercise is a small but meaningful step toward dismantling the habit of self-objectification. The more often you practice, the more you will shift from living under the “Ominous They” to living for yourself.
Strategies to Overcome Self-Objectification
1. Self-Isolation as a Reset: Reclaiming Your Inner Voice
One of the most effective ways to break free from self-objectification is to step away from environments that reinforce external validation. In a world where social media, peer groups, and societal standards constantly shape perceptions, taking time to disconnect can help women reconnect with their authentic selves.
Practical Steps to Implement Self-Isolation as a Reset:
Take a Social Media Detox:
- Temporarily deactivate or limit time on apps that make you overly aware of your appearance.
- Observe how your self-perception shifts when you’re not constantly consuming images of others.
Step Away from Image-Obsessed Spaces:
- Reduce time in environments where beauty and appearance are disproportionately emphasized.
- Instead, seek out spaces that celebrate intellect, creativity, and authenticity.
Engage in Activities Without Seeking Validation:
- Paint, write, sing, or dance—not for an audience, but for yourself.
- Challenge yourself to do something fun without documenting it for social media.
📖 Real-Life Example: A Woman Who Quit Instagram for a Month
After years of using Instagram daily, Anika decided to take a month-long break. Initially, she felt restless—she realized how much she relied on likes and comments for self-assurance. However, as the weeks passed, she rediscovered hobbies she had neglected: painting, reading, and even journaling her thoughts just for herself.
At the end of the month, Anika noticed she felt less anxious about her appearance and more in tune with her own preferences. She also realized that the pressure to curate a ‘perfect’ online presence had made her feel more like a brand than a person.
This reset helped her establish a healthier relationship with social media—one where she engaged with it on her own terms rather than letting it dictate her self-worth.
Handling Negative Reactions from Others
One of the most challenging aspects of overcoming self-objectification is dealing with pushback from people who benefited from your past behavior. When a woman starts making choices based on her own comfort, desires, and values rather than external expectations, some individuals may resist, criticize, or even guilt-trip her into conforming again.
1. Expect Resistance—And Why It Happens
- People who were comfortable with the ‘old you’ may feel unsettled by your changes.
- Friends or acquaintances who enjoyed the validation of being around someone who fit conventional beauty norms may resist your newfound autonomy.
- Family members may see your shift as a rejection of their values, especially if they associate appearance with success or respectability.
Example: A woman who always wore heels and makeup suddenly chooses comfort-first dressing. Friends say, “You used to care about looking good—what happened?” The underlying message? ‘Your worth was in your appearance.’
2. Asserting Boundaries Without Guilt
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean becoming defensive or aggressive—it means being firm and clear about your choices.
Own Your Decisions with Confidence
- “I feel great in this, and that’s what matters to me.”
- “I dress for myself now, not trends.”
- “I realized I’m happier prioritizing comfort over fashion.”
Ignore Guilt-Tripping and Manipulation
- If someone tries to make you feel bad (“You used to be so stylish!”), remember: Their discomfort is not your problem to fix.
- Shift the focus: “It’s interesting how much you notice my outfits! What about you—any style changes lately?”
3. Responding to Criticism with Humor
Humor can disarm judgmental comments without escalating the situation.
Playfully Acknowledge the Change:
- “Yep! Retired from the fashion show—now starring in my comfort era.”
- “I guess my glow-up is happening internally now!”
Flip the Perspective:
- “You seem very invested in my wardrobe… should I start sending you outfit approval forms?”
📖 Real-Life Example: From Trend-Follower to Self-Assured Individual
Sonia used to religiously follow fashion trends, always ensuring she dressed according to the latest styles. When she decided to prioritize comfort—switching to sneakers over heels, minimal makeup, and simpler outfits—she faced backlash from friends.
They made comments like, “Are you okay? You used to care so much about looking stylish.” At first, she felt self-conscious, but as she became more secure in her choices, she realized that their discomfort stemmed from their own conditioning, not her choices.
Eventually, Sonia stopped engaging with such comments altogether, and to her surprise, some friends started following her lead, realizing they too had felt pressured to conform.
Developing Skills Beyond Appearance
While appearance-based validation is often fleeting, skills and personal growth provide lasting self-worth and fulfillment. Women who shift their focus from external approval to developing meaningful abilities naturally cultivate a confidence that is unshakable and independent of others’ perceptions.
1. Investing in Skills That Grow With You
Rather than spending excessive time curating an image, channel energy into personal and professional growth. Skills create value beyond looks, ensuring that self-worth isn’t tied to external validation.
- Communication: Express thoughts clearly, hold engaging conversations, and navigate social situations with ease.
- Leadership: Learn to take initiative, influence decisions, and guide others effectively.
- Creativity: Explore artistic, innovative, or problem-solving pursuits that bring joy and fulfillment.
- Technical Expertise: Develop knowledge in a field of interest—whether coding, writing, psychology, or business.
Example: A woman who once fixated on perfecting her makeup routine redirected that time into learning public speaking. She became a strong, articulate voice in her workplace, earning respect for her confidence and ideas rather than just her appearance.
2. The Magnetic Confidence of Purpose-Driven Women
Have you ever noticed how certain women seem effortlessly captivating, even without conforming to beauty ideals? These women exude confidence because they are rooted in purpose rather than external validation.
- They have something to say, create, or contribute beyond just looking good.
- Their energy draws people in because it’s authentic, not performative.
- They attract opportunities, not because of their looks, but because of their capabilities and presence.
Example: A woman who always sought approval for her appearance discovered a passion for filmmaking. As she focused on her craft, she no longer felt the need to constantly seek validation—her work spoke for itself.
📚 Recommended Reading:
More Than a Body – Lexie & Lindsay Kite
A powerful book that challenges beauty-centered self-worth and helps women reclaim confidence through purpose and self-acceptance.
Media Detox & Conscious Content Consumption
Our media environment shapes how we see ourselves, often reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards and promoting self-objectification. By becoming more intentional about what we consume, we can retrain our minds to prioritize substance over superficiality and develop a healthier self-image.
1. Reducing Exposure to Objectifying Media
The content we engage with daily—social media, TV shows, magazines, advertisements—influences our perception of self-worth. If constantly bombarded with beauty-centric messaging, it’s easy to internalize the belief that appearance is a woman’s most valuable trait.
- Unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards or make you feel inadequate.
- Limit time on social media to reduce the habit of comparing yourself to others.
- Take breaks from beauty-focused media (fashion magazines, celebrity culture, makeover shows) and see how it impacts your self-esteem.
Example: A woman who spent hours scrolling through beauty influencers’ pages took a two-week social media break. She noticed a drastic drop in self-critical thoughts and an increase in self-acceptance.
2. Following Role Models Who Prioritize Depth Over Appearance
Who we admire influences how we define success and value in ourselves. Instead of idolizing people primarily for their looks, follow those who emphasize:
- Intelligence (scientists, authors, thought leaders).
- Creativity (artists, musicians, writers).
- Leadership (activists, entrepreneurs, mentors).
- Resilience (women who have overcome adversity and made an impact).
Example: A young woman who once obsessed over celebrity beauty trends started following women in STEM and business. This shift in focus made her appreciate her intellect and capabilities more than her appearance.
3. Practicing Active Media Consumption
Instead of passively absorbing messages, analyze and question what media is telling you about women. Ask yourself:
- What qualities are being celebrated?
- Does this content portray women as multifaceted individuals or as objects?
- Would I still admire this person if I removed their appearance from the equation?
Example: A woman who loved romantic movies began noticing how female characters were often reduced to love interests. She started seeking films with strong, independent female leads, which reshaped her perspective on self-worth.
📚 Recommended Reading:
The Beauty Myth – Naomi Wolf
A deep dive into how media-driven beauty standards manipulate women’s self-esteem and how to break free from this conditioning.
Rewriting the Internal Narrative – The Power of Self-Perception
1. Identity is Self-Defined
Many women spend years subtly shaping their personalities to fit into an externally approved mold—whether by adjusting their appearance, tone, or behavior to seem more likable. But who you are is not determined by how others perceive you. True self-worth comes from what you create, contribute, and embody, not how well you fit an aesthetic ideal.
- Shift from being seen to being heard – prioritize your voice, thoughts, and actions.
- Redefine attractiveness – value yourself for kindness, intelligence, and impact rather than external beauty.
- Recognize your multidimensionality – you are not just a face or a body but a mind, a heart, a creator, a thinker.
Example: A woman who always played the ‘quiet, agreeable’ role in conversations started voicing her true thoughts, only to realize people respected her more for it.
2. The ‘Eulogy vs. Résumé’ Perspective
Society often encourages women to focus on résumé virtues—things that look good on paper, like beauty, status, and achievements. But what really matters is eulogy virtues—the qualities people will remember you for at the end of your life.
- Will people talk about your perfect hair, or the way you made them feel?
- Will your legacy be about always fitting in, or standing out and making a difference?
- What would a life well-lived look like to you, beyond how it appears to others?
This mindset shift reduces the urgency of external validation and refocuses energy on meaningful pursuits.
Example: A woman who spent years curating a ‘perfect’ online image realized she was losing time she could have spent learning, traveling, and creating. She shifted her priorities to personal growth instead of social approval.
3. Challenge for Readers: A One-Week Experiment
For the next seven days, every decision you make should be based solely on what aligns with your values and desires—not on how it will be perceived.
- Wear what feels good, not what is ‘socially expected.’
- Speak up when you disagree instead of self-censoring.
- Make choices based on joy and fulfillment, not approval.
- Engage in an activity you’ve always wanted to try but held back from due to fear of judgment.
At the end of the week, reflect:
- How did it feel to act from self-authenticity rather than external expectation?
- What was difficult? What was liberating?
- What small changes will you continue implementing?
Conclusion: Embracing a Self-Defined Identity
Breaking Free from the ‘Ominous They’
The fear of judgment often feels overwhelming, but the truth is—most people are too consumed by their own insecurities to scrutinize you as much as you think. The ‘Ominous They’—the collective, imagined voice of societal expectations—only has power if you let it.
- Reality Check: Those who judge harshly often do so from their own unresolved fears and limitations.
- Freedom Comes from Awareness: Once you recognize that external judgment is an illusion, it loses its grip on your decisions.
- Authenticity is Magnetic: The more you embrace your true self, the more you attract people who appreciate you for who you are—not who you pretend to be.
Example: A woman who stopped altering her personality to be more ‘likable’ realized that her most fulfilling relationships were built when she showed up as her real self.
The Journey to Self-Authenticity
Choosing authenticity over self-objectification is not always easy. Initially, there might be discomfort, resistance, or even backlash. But in time, the freedom, self-respect, and confidence that come with living on your own terms far outweigh the approval of others.
- Growth Over Comfort: Being true to yourself means embracing change and standing firm in your values.
- Redefine Success: Instead of measuring it by beauty, approval, or conformity, define it by how aligned your life is with your true desires.
- Take Small Steps: Authenticity is a daily practice—start by making one self-honoring choice at a time.
Final Empowering Statement
“You are not here to decorate the world. You are here to shape it.”
Live boldly. Take up space. Make an impact. The world needs more women who own their presence, voices, and purpose—not just their reflections in the mirror. 💡🔥
This article, like many others, has been made possible through the generous support of patrons. If you found this piece informative or helpful, please consider donating to the Meda Foundation to support our ongoing work. Additionally, we value your insights and experiences; please share them with us via our feedback form.
Resources for Further Research
For more in-depth information on the concepts discussed, as well as related topics, consider exploring the following resources:
Books:
- More Than a Body by Lexie & Lindsay Kite
- The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf
Articles:
- “Self-Objectification in Women” – Verywell Mind
- “Running From Self-Objectification” – Beauty Redefined
Research Papers:
- “Female Self-Objectification: Causes, Consequences and Prevention” – Eastern Michigan University
- “Self-Objectification and Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review of the Literature” – Frontiers in Psychology
Podcasts:
- “Beyond Navel-Gazing: Shifting Self-Objectification for Female Liberated Health” – Assumption University
News Articles:
- “Strange, Surreal and Sexy: 31 Images That Changed the Way We See Our Bodies” – The Guardian
- “How I Broke the ‘I Feel Ugly’ Negative Self-Talk Cycle” – Verywell Mind
Blogs:
- “Can Women Self-Objectify?” – Everyday Feminism
Vlogs:
- “Women Don’t Owe You Pretty” – Florence Given
