Is your man looking for a relationship just for looks? Ladies, beware, according to a new study, this is a big red flag

Intimate partner violence is widespread and causes serious concern about its prevalence. In heterosexual relationships, physical and sexual violence is mainly committed by men. The study found that objectification plays a significant role in promoting such abuse, like a predictor. There are other risk factors, such as alcohol and drug use, past experiences of domestic violence, financial stress, and sexist attitudes. The researchers clarify that men who objectify their partners are more likely to abuse them because they don’t see them as “people” but simply as “objects.” The study investigated how such distorted perceptions of a partner increase the likelihood of intimate partner violence.

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The relationship of objectification to intimate partner violence

Objectification occurs when men judge the value of their partner solely based on her appearance. They treat her as property, as something to “own,” or they neglect her independence and decision-making ability. The very principle of objectification is the separation of human traits and experiences from their partners. The study also had a shocking conclusion. It could be argued that men only objectify women they don’t love and only lust after. But the findings showed that men in love still unconsciously objectify them. They exhibit violent and violent behavior. This further increases the likelihood of violence against women in relationships. Objectification is independent of sexist attitudes and itself promotes violence.

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Does appearance matter more?

Appearance plays a key role in objectification, and this has been explored through experimentation. The study involved American men aged 18 to 35 who had been in a heterosexual relationship for more than a year. They ran a series of tests on them, one of which in particular helped to see into their true nature. The researchers administered a behavioral test that assessed their potential for violence.

The men were asked to write about their partner’s appearance or personality before participating in a task that simulated violent behavior. Those who focused attention on the appearance of the partner were more likely to show aggression, stab the virtual voodoo doll more often than those who wrote about the features of the person.

This indicates that there is more aggression when it comes to objectification based on appearance. When women are objectified, less human beings are associated and their experiences are denied, with tunnel vision only on their appearance. Since men do not associate any human qualities with their partners, they are more inclined to direct violence towards them. This is very troubling, as this simple objectification based on appearance can become dangerous, turning into abuse. Researchers have suggested the importance of empathy in order to understand one’s partners and fully appreciate them as people.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.