Associations between body dissatisfaction and relationship functioning among same-sex female couples: An actor–partner interdependence model.

Abstract

Nearly all past research about body dissatisfaction and romantic relationship factors is among heterosexual couples; little is known about these associations in sexual minority couples. The present study aimed to fill gaps in the current literature by using actor-partner interdependence models (APIMs) to examine dyadic patterns of association between body dissatisfaction and different aspects of relationship functioning among same-sex female couples. Participants were 163 same-sex female romantic dyads (326 women) between the ages of 18-35 years who completed measures of body dissatisfaction and relationship factors. Results from significance testing of actor and partner effects indicated higher levels of women's own body dissatisfaction were associated with lower levels of their own, but not their partner's, relationship satisfaction, closeness, sexual satisfaction, and intimacy/connectedness. Significance testing alone indicated that the association between one's own body dissatisfaction and their partner's relationship satisfaction was not significant. However, dyadic pattern testing identified a partner pattern for this effect, which suggests that the association between one's own body dissatisfaction and one's own relationship satisfaction is similar in magnitude and direction as that between an individuals' own body dissatisfaction and their partner's relationship satisfaction. In this study, women's own body dissatisfaction was found to be negatively associated with their own relationship functioning, which is consistent with findings of women in malefemale couples. Thus, these findings highlight the important role that body dissatisfaction plays in women's relationship experiences. More research is needed to better understand potential cross-partner effects of body dissatisfaction and relationship factors in same-sex female couples.

Body Dissatisfaction, Cognitive Distraction, and Sexual Satisfaction in a Sample of LGB+ People: A Mediation Study Framed by Cognitive Psychology Models of Sexual Response

“…A positive body image can foster a healthier and more authentic sexual identity, while a negative body image might lead to inhibitions and emotional distress within sexual contexts. In this line of reasoning, research has shown that feeling dissatisfied with one's body is associated with less sexual satisfaction [10], which is an indicator of sexual health. More specifically, having negative thoughts and actions or experiencing negative emotions toward their body may lead to decreased satisfaction with one's sex life.…”

“…More specifically, having negative thoughts and actions or experiencing negative emotions toward their body may lead to decreased satisfaction with one's sex life. This is important because sexual satisfaction is crucial for overall well-being and life satisfaction [10]. This life and relationship satisfaction indicator is determined by mutual enjoyment and pleasure between partners in heterosexual samples [11].…”