Objectification & Its Relationship With Sex Addiction

The Consequences of Objectification & Exploitation

Fantasy, desire, obsession, disconnect. This cycle of objectifying women and/or men creates relational and societal issues, especially in someone living with sex addiction. The psychological consequences of objectification affect both the woman or man seen as the object and also the individual actively using people in their lives as sexual objects. This exploitation of other human beings as objects plays a large role in sexual addiction. Let’s look at how these issues arise.

Types of Objectification

• Autonomy (Denial of)

  – the person/object is not warranted personal freedoms.

• Fungibility

  – the person/object is easily replaceable with another similar person/object.

• Inertness

  – the person/object is powerless and is allowed no control.

• Instrumentality

  – the person/object sole function is used as a device.

• Ownership

  – the person/object is merely a possession and tangible commodity.

• Subjectivity (Denial of)

  – the person/object’s emotions are not taken into consideration.

• Violability

  – the person/object has no limits to its personal boundaries are broken.

*in alphabetical order
the above list is referring to: Martha C. Nassbaum – Objectification

Lack of Intimacy and Empathy

As you can see the sexual object is no longer viewed as an individual – someone with a personality, feelings or worth; rather a source for sexual gratification. Whereas the objectifier develops a lack of intimacy and empathy due to the moral distraction of their sexual goals.

Intimacy

Developed around an emotional bond, established from connecting affectionately, usually from a long-term relationship and friendship.

Empathy

The ability to take into consideration another person’s perspective without diluting this comprehension by including your personal opinion/feelings.

Intimacy and empathy are neglected during objectification as true feelings and intentions are not shared to allow this bond to evolve past its sole purpose, sex.

Recognizing Objectification and Healing

Through trauma resolution and intensive therapy, objectification and sex addiction can be treated and overcome as a mental health disease.

This process involves recognizing the societal triggers that compound and surround the issue.

Known Objectification Accelerants

• Pornography

  (internet porn, nude magazines, sex tapes)

• Adult Entertainment

  (strip clubs, adult video arcades)

• Hook-Up Apps

  (Tinder, Grindr, Plenty of Fish, Bumble)

• Escorts

  (prostitutes, gigolos)

• Illegal Erotic Massage Parlors

  (disguised brothels, prostitution)

• Social Media

  (Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat)

What Prescott House Provides

Our staff consists of 4 CSATs (Certified Sexual Addiction Therapists) to treat these specific issues men are facing today. Our program is determined to reintegrate men into society as healthy and productive individuals. By Restoring Men’s Lives Prescott House continues its commitment to Long-Term Results Since 1988. Call us at (866) 425-4673 to talk about how we can help.