Slut shaming from adolescence to emerging adulthood: Experience, impact and gender stereotypes

Objective
Slut shaming is a form of gender discrimination which includes name-calling, such as "slut," rumors of a sexual nature, or rejection (Almazan & Bain, 2015; Armstrong et al., 2014). Slut shaming primarily targets women and is active as early as adolescence (Van Royen, 2017). Our research aims to assess young people's experiences of slut shaming online from a developmental perspective, from the onset of adolescence to emerging adulthood, and the impact and evolution of gender stereotypes during this period of life.

Method
The data were collected on the basis of a paper questionnaire assessing gender-based and sexual cyber-violence from two distinct groups: on the one hand, adolescent girls in secondary school (N=605, μ=15.18 years-old); on the other hand, young women in higher education, working at NEET (N=500, μ=19.78 years-old). This questionnaire assessed online slut shaming behaviors, attitudes toward gender stereotypes, physical health, and depression (Golberg and Hillier's General Health Questionnaire, 1979).

Results
10.47% of girls under the age of 15 have experienced slut shaming. This concerns 14.85% of adolescent girls (under 18 years of age) and 24.2% of emerging adults (19.8% of emerging adults report at least one occurrence of slut shaming in the twelve months preceding the study). The statistical regressions show that slut shaming has a significant impact on the physical and psychological health of adolescents. However, the effect is not significant for emerging adults. Finally, we find a change in adherence to gender stereotypes over the life course.

Conclusions
Slut shaming appears to be a reality in the lives of women. Sexist insults affect the psychological, emotional and sexual integrity of adolescent girls. We will discuss the developmental implications as well as the practical applications of these findings to the prevention of sexism among youth.