Just when you thought psychological studies couldn't get any weirder:

Barbie, beware. The iconic plastic doll is often mutilated at the hands of young girls, according to research published Monday by British academics.

"The girls we spoke to see Barbie torture as a legitimate play activity, and see the torture as a 'cool' activity," said Agnes Nairn, one of the University of Bath researchers. "The types of mutilation are varied and creative, and range from removing the hair to decapitation, burning, breaking and even microwaving."

When I was a kid, I can vividly remember how cruel some of my peers could be with their toys. Peer pressure being what it is, it usually didn't take long before such play degenerated into chimp-like bash fests that to this day make my stomach churn a little bit. I always thought it was just testosterone-addled boys who did stuff like that, but it would appear I was wrong.

All I can say is that, while she's indifferent to the dolls themselves, Olivia sure does like watching the videos and wearing the clothes. Then again, she's only 2.

Via Siflay.