Literature on objectification has largely shown the relationship between viewing objectified media models and women's body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. The purpose of the present study was to extend past research by examining the effects of objectified media images—considering both male and female models—on psychological well-being, self-esteem, and endorsement of sexist attitudes. 166 undergraduates (51.8% males) participated in the study. Results showed that objectification of men decreases men's well-being, whereas objectification of women not only decreases women's well-being, but also their attractiveness and social self-esteem. Furthermore, objectification of women affects men's endorsement of sexist attitudes, increasing hostility toward women and decreasing hostility toward men. Implications are discussed.
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