Effect of body image and self-image on women's sexual behaviors

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the relationship between women's body image, self‐image, and sexual behaviors; to determine the effect of body image on personal and sex variables; and to identify factors that contribute to more frequent and greater comfort with sex. Method A magazine survey that included items about body image, self‐image, and sexual behaviors was completed by 3,627 women. Results Women more satisfied with body image reported more sexual activity, orgasm, and initiating sex, greater comfort undressing in front of their partner, having sex with the lights on, trying new sexual behaviors, and pleasing their partner sexually than those dissatisfied. Positive body image was inversely related to self‐consciousness and importance of physical attractiveness, and positively related to relationships with others and overall satisfaction. Body image was predictive only of one's comfort undressing in front of partner and having sex with lights on. Overall satisfaction was predictive of frequency of sex, orgasm, and initiating sex, trying new sexual behaviors, and confidence in giving partner sexual pleasure. Discussion Results indicate that overall self‐image and body image are significant predictors of sexual activity. Directions for future research are discussed. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 28: 422–429, 2000.

The Association Between Sexual Satisfaction and Body Image in Women

“…The significant relationships between sexual satisfaction and body esteem noted in this study are inconsistent with the finding that self‐rated attractiveness was unrelated to sexual satisfaction among a community sample of older women [27]. This may be caused by different ages of the samples, with Koch et al.…”

The Association Between Sexual Satisfaction and Body Image in Women

“…The significant relationships between sexual satisfaction and body esteem noted in this study are inconsistent with the finding that self‐rated attractiveness was unrelated to sexual satisfaction among a community sample of older women [27]. This may be caused by different ages of the samples, with Koch et al.…”

Association between self-perception of genital image in patients diagnosed with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain and healthy women.

“…When attending to the physical component, statistically significant results of a better quality of life have been obtained in people without endometriosis or CPP. This is in agreement with the studies of Berman L. et al [12] and Ackard D. et al [13] who have stated that women who have a positive body image have a better quality of life in physical and sexual aspects; and with the research of Markey CH, Dunaev J, August K.…”

Factors affecting the safe sexual behaviors of Korean young adults by gender: a structural equation model

“…The paths between sexual body image and sexual attitudes were significant in men and women models, respectively, compared to the overall model. This result is similar to that of a study from the United States that found that women with a more positive body image had more permissive and confident sexual attitudes [52]. Another study from the United Kingdom showed similar results among male and female undergraduate students, in which students with a more negative body image were more likely to have avoidant and hesitant sexual attitudes [53].…”

The Association Between Sexual Satisfaction and Body Image in Women

“…The significant relationships between sexual satisfaction and body esteem noted in this study are inconsistent with the finding that self‐rated attractiveness was unrelated to sexual satisfaction among a community sample of older women [27]. This may be caused by different ages of the samples, with Koch et al.…”

Association between self-perception of genital image in patients diagnosed with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain and healthy women.

“…When attending to the physical component, statistically significant results of a better quality of life have been obtained in people without endometriosis or CPP. This is in agreement with the studies of Berman L. et al [12] and Ackard D. et al [13] who have stated that women who have a positive body image have a better quality of life in physical and sexual aspects; and with the research of Markey CH, Dunaev J, August K.…”

Factors affecting the safe sexual behaviors of Korean young adults by gender: a structural equation model

“…The paths between sexual body image and sexual attitudes were significant in men and women models, respectively, compared to the overall model. This result is similar to that of a study from the United States that found that women with a more positive body image had more permissive and confident sexual attitudes [52]. Another study from the United Kingdom showed similar results among male and female undergraduate students, in which students with a more negative body image were more likely to have avoidant and hesitant sexual attitudes [53].…”

The Association Between Sexual Satisfaction and Body Image in Women

“…The significant relationships between sexual satisfaction and body esteem noted in this study are inconsistent with the finding that self‐rated attractiveness was unrelated to sexual satisfaction among a community sample of older women [27]. This may be caused by different ages of the samples, with Koch et al.…”

Association between self-perception of genital image in patients diagnosed with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain and healthy women.

“…When attending to the physical component, statistically significant results of a better quality of life have been obtained in people without endometriosis or CPP. This is in agreement with the studies of Berman L. et al [12] and Ackard D. et al [13] who have stated that women who have a positive body image have a better quality of life in physical and sexual aspects; and with the research of Markey CH, Dunaev J, August K.…”

Factors affecting the safe sexual behaviors of Korean young adults by gender: a structural equation model

“…The paths between sexual body image and sexual attitudes were significant in men and women models, respectively, compared to the overall model. This result is similar to that of a study from the United States that found that women with a more positive body image had more permissive and confident sexual attitudes [52]. Another study from the United Kingdom showed similar results among male and female undergraduate students, in which students with a more negative body image were more likely to have avoidant and hesitant sexual attitudes [53].…”