A central goal of the OWLab is the development of valid and reliable measurement tools for objectification and related constructs. All measures listed on this website are free to use.
Inventory of Partner Sexual Objectification (IPSO)
The IPSO is a theoretically-grounded and factor-analytically derived self-report questionnaire providing a multidimensional and hierarchical assessment of partner objectification. The IPSO includes one general scale of received sexual objectification (i.e., person feels reduced to their appearance and sexual attributes for the use of their partner) and three specific subscales reflecting unique manifestations of objectification in intimate relationships including body autonomy denial (e.g., partner expresses strong preferences about appearance), body neglect (e.g., feeling invisible and unattractive to partner), and (less) unconditional body appreciation (e.g., feeling attractive to partner regardless of societal standards, feeling valued as much for non-physical as physical attributes). The IPSO explains a range of individual and relational outcomes central to objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997) and intimate relationship frameworks. Scores from the IPSO also demonstrate the distinctive nature of objectification in the context of intimate relationships and highlight the importance of striking a delicate balance between conveying respectful sexual interest and desire toward partners while not reducing them to their sexual function and appearance.
Brock, R. L., Gervais, S., Checkalski, O.R., Finkelstein, S., & Sparpana, A. (2025). A multi-dimensional measure of sexual objectification in intimate relationships: The Inventory of Partner Sexual Objectification (IPSO). Psychological Assessment. Advance online publication. Download Article
Measure with Scoring Instructions
Dehumanizing Deindividuation in Couples (DDC) Scale
The DDC scale measures dehumanizing deindividuation in intimate relationships that is characterized by derogation (viewing a partner with contempt), disregard (ignoring or overlooking a partner), and denial of autonomy (restricting a partner’s self-determination). Scores on the DDC were internally consistent and had excellent construct replicability. Both enacted (toward partner) and received (from partner) versions of the scale demonstrated excellent reliability, construct replicability, and convergent validity with other measures of intimate relationship functioning (i.e., emotional intimacy, support, sexual quality, affective communication, problem solving) and uniquely predicted key relational outcomes (i.e., global satisfaction and intimate partner violence). The active process of deindividuating one’s partner (e.g., acting superior to partner, ignoring partner, nagging partner) as measured by the DDC also appears to pose unique and significant risk for relationship discord and violence beyond a general lack of individuation (e.g., not praising partner’s strengths or asking for their opinions) as measured by the ICQ.
Brock, R. L. & Gervais, S. (2025). The psychometric properties of a new scale of dehumanizing deindividuation in couples. Journal of Family Psychology, 39, 171-183. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001311 Download Article
Measure with Scoring Instructions (Both "Enacted" and "Received" Versions)