Abstract

The present work explores whether self-objectification triggered by doing peculiar work activities would increase people’s conforming behavior. We conducted an experimental study in which participants (N = 140) were asked to perform a high objectifying activity (vs. low objectifying activity vs. baseline condition) simulating a real computer job. Afterwards, their levels of self-objectification and conforming behavior were assessed. Results revealed that participants who performed the high objectifying activity self-objectified (i.e., perceived themselves as lacking human mental states) more than the other conditions and, in turn, conformed more to the judgments of unknown similar others. Crucially, increased self-objectification mediated the effects of the high objectifying activity on enhancing conforming behavior. Theoretical and applied implications of these findings are discussed.

摘要

本工作探讨了通过进行特殊的工作活动而引发的自我目标化是否会增加人们的顺从行为。我们进行，参与者（实验研究ñ = 140）被要求执行高目标化活动（相对于低目标化活动与基准条件）来模拟真实的计算机作业。之后，评估他们的自我客体化和顺从行为水平。结果显示，进行高客观化活动的参与者比其他情况更能自我客观化（即，认为自己缺乏人的心理状态），并且反过来更符合未知的相似他人的判断。至关重要的是，越来越多的自我客观化介导了高客观化活动对增强顺从行为的影响。讨论了这些发现的理论和应用意义。