Sexualization is a prominently studied dimension of how media content contributes to problematic outcomes for women (e.g., self-objectification). In video game contexts, scholars have debated whether portrayals of powerful characters may disrupt undesirable outcomes of sexual objectification. In two studies, we experimentally manipulated sex appeal cues and strength cues in female characters. Participants reported their impressions in terms of key person perception outcomes and liking of the characters. We also aimed to understand how interactivity shapes impression formation by comparing viewing (Study 1) to playing (Study 2) contexts. Results indicated that sex appeal cues and strength cues interacted to shape character impressions but did so differently depending on the type of interaction participants had with the character. In both studies, sexual appeal cues produced greater disliking of the characters. Our discussion considers the findings with respect to character design in video games and other media entertainment.

中文翻译：

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检查性吸引力线索和力量线索如何影响女性视频游戏角色的印象


性化是媒体内容如何导致女性问题结果（例如自我客体化）的一个重要研究维度。在电子游戏背景下，学者们一直在争论对强大角色的描绘是否会破坏性客体化的不良后果。在两项研究中，我们实验性地操纵了女性角色的性吸引力线索和力量线索。参与者根据关键人物的感知结果和对角色的喜欢来报告他们的印象。我们还旨在通过比较观看（研究 1）和玩（研究 2）环境来了解交互性如何塑造印象形成。结果表明，性吸引力线索和力量线索相互作用，塑造角色印象，但根据参与者与角色的互动类型，其作用也有所不同。在这两项研究中，性吸引力暗示都会导致人们对角色更加厌恶。我们的讨论考虑了有关视频游戏和其他媒体娱乐中的角色设计的发现。