The Lost Self in Time: Objectification Disrupts Self‐Continuity

ABSTRACT Being objectified—that is, perceived and treated by others as an instrument rather than a full human being—is a subtle yet widespread form of interpersonal maltreatment. We hypothesized that experiencing objectification would undermine individuals' sense of self‐continuity, the perceived connection between one's past and present self. Across seven studies ( N = 1481) using a mixed‐methods approach and diverse samples from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, we consistently found support for this hypothesis. Study 1 demonstrated a negative association between objectification and self‐continuity. Studies 2a to 2c established the causal effect of objectification on reduced self‐continuity through experimental manipulations, and crucially, ruled out the possibility that this effect was merely driven by the general negativity of the experience (Studies 2b and 2c). Studies 3a to 3c further revealed that the effect was mediated by reductions in perceived authenticity and control. Together, these findings advance our understanding of self‐continuity by identifying objectification as a previously underexplored antecedent.