Introduction
In 1997, Fredrickson and Roberts proposed Objectification Theory [In the current study, we used a well-powered, preregistered experiment to test the impact of both self-objectification and anticipation of a sexualized male gaze on women’s performance on a working memory task. Although previous work on this topic has varied in terms of the cognitive processes assessed, we aimed to closely align our study with the theoretical claim that self-objectification interrupts women’s conscious attention. We employed a dependent variable designed to test attention and working memory, rather than a specific domain of knowledge (as in previous studies that used advanced math test scores as outcome measures). Moreover, using two experimental conditions, we directly compared the effects of two commonly used objectification manipulations (interpersonal objectification in the form of an anticipated sexualized gaze vs. non-interpersonal objectification that can heighten appearance focus). Additionally, we investigated the effect of these manipulations on women’s body satisfaction and mood.