Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Reader 1

Stacey Wood

Reader 2

Lahnna Catalino

Abstract

Early pubertal timing serves as a highly salient developmental marker that uniquely sexualizes assigned female at birth (AFAB) adolescents within heteropatriarchal cultural contexts. A significant body of work has established that early physical development increases objectification experiences, heightens body surveillance, and leads to enduring disturbances in sexual self-concept and sexual satisfaction. Informed by objectification theory, intersectional frameworks, and biopsychosocial models of stress, the current investigation examines whether early pubertal timing relates to adult sexual well-being and whether self-stimulation acts as a protective mechanism for sexual well-being. Approximately 150 AFAB adults will complete an online survey assessing pubertal timing, self-stimulation behaviors, sexual self-concept, and sexual satisfaction. Multiple regression analyses will be used to test three hypotheses: (1) greater frequency of self-stimulation will predict lower negative sexual self-concept; (2) greater frequency of self-stimulation will predict higher sexual satisfaction; and (3) self-stimulation will moderate the relationship between early sexualization, as operationalized by pubertal timing, and adult sexual well-being, such that self-stimulation will buffer the negative association between early pubertal timing and adult sexual well-being. The present study aims to elucidate how early developmental sexualization shapes later adult sexuality and to identify self-stimulation as a potential pathway toward greater bodily autonomy, interoceptive awareness, and positive sexual identity among adults who experienced early sexualized visibility. Findings may contribute to trauma-informed sexual health education and interventions centered around empowerment and embodiment for AFAB individuals.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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