Does Body Image Play a Role in Risky Sexual Behavior and Attitudes?

Sex-Positive Curricula: An Investigation of the Relationship Between Physical Fitness, Self-Concept and Sexual Functioning

“…The majority of studies that examined self-esteem and sexuality focused on female adolescents. The present study differed from previous research which found an inverse relationship between self-esteem and promiscuous sex practices (Gillen, Lefkowitz, & Shearer, 2006;Wiederman, 2000;Wingood et al, 2002). Previous research focused on risky sexual behavior and adolescent females.…”

“…However, a relationship between adult self-concept (independent of body image) and sexual function has yet to be established since the overwhelming majority of research on self-concept and sexual activity is focused on the sexual behavior of adolescents. An inverse relationship was found, indicating that low self-esteem leads to risky promiscuous sex practices (Gillen, Lefkowitz & Shearer, 2006;Wiederman, 2000;Wingood et al, 2002). However, sexual behavior was not based in authentic sexual desire but rather the fear of rejection, loneliness and abandonment (Gillen et al, 2006).…”

Associations Between Positive Body Image, Sexual Liberalism, and Unconventional Sexual Practices in U.S. Adults

“…For example, studies of young women have reported significant associations between negative body image and risky sexual behaviors, including lower probability of using contraceptives and earlier age of first intercourse (Eisenberg, Neumark-Sztainer, & Lust, 2005;Gillen, Lefkowitz, & Shearer, 2006;Pinquart, 2010). In addition, negative body image is associated with women's sexual functioning: women who experience greater anxiety and shame about their bodies have lower levels of sexual desire and arousability (Koch, Mansfield, Thurau, & Carey, 2005;Sanchez & Kiefer, 2007;Seal, Bradford, & Meston, 2009) and report decreased sexual satisfaction (Weaver & Byers, 2006;Yamamiya, Cash, & Thompson, 2006).…”

“…For example, dimensions of positive body image have been found to be significantly associated with greater arousal and sexual functioning (e.g., Ackard et al, 2000;Gillen et al, 2006;Satinsky, Reece, Dennis, Sanders, & Bardzell, 2012) and less risky sexual behaviors (Winter & Satinsky, 2014). To date, however, studies have not specifically examined associations between positive body image and sexual outcomes beyond functioning.…”

The Effect of Training Package on Genital Self-Image and Sexual Function: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Genital self-image also plays an important role in sexual health (3)(4)(5). Genital self-image could express individual's attitudes towards her feelings-thoughts that change her behavior in a variety of conditions in a positive or negative ways.…”