The Role of Sexual Goals Fit in Interactions: Testing the Social Interaction Model of Objectification

In the current article, we tested the social interaction model of objectification to explore the effects of the activation and compatibility of sexual goals on women's perceptions of sexual objectification and behavioral intentions. Studies 1 ( N = 272) and 2 ( N = 141), conducted in Italy, demonstrated the importance of women's sexual goals in shaping favorable perceptions and subsequent behavioral intentions in sexually objectifying interactions. However, in both studies, when women desired sexual attention but did not receive it, they reported the highest levels of perceived benefits from remaining in the interaction, along with greater motivation for future interactions. Study 3 ( N = 232), conducted in the United States, replicated the importance of women's sexual goal activation in fostering positive perceptions and intentions to continue the interaction. Nevertheless, contrary to the findings of the first two studies, the results showed that compatibility of sexual goals was preferable to incompatible conditions. The current research provides evidence supporting the social interaction model of objectification's proposition that, during objectifying interactions, women cognitively evaluate whether the interaction aligns with their own sexual goals. It also highlights the significant role of cultural differences in shaping perceptions of sexual goal compatibility in the objectifying interaction process.