HOUSTON – A new study suggests girls as young as 6 years old are finding value in appearing sexy.
Researchers used paper dolls in a study of 6- to 9-year-old girls. They asked the girls which dolls they wanted to play with or look like.
The majority chose the dolls in tight, revealing clothes.
Seventy-two percent of the girls also figured the "sexier" doll would be more popular than a doll that was slightly more covered up.
Girls who were involved in a dance studio chose the non-sexualized doll more often. Researchers said dance and other sports may be associated with a better body image in females.