Sexual Experiences among College Women: The Differential Effects of General versus Contextual Body Images on Sexuality

Abstract

Women's bodies are often objectified and evaluated, which may result in body dissatisfaction associated with sexual difficulties. This study of 384 college women confirmed that contextual body image during sex was more associated with a lower self-confidence to refuse sex, poorer sexual functioning, and reduced sexual assertiveness than general body dissatisfaction, and the level of contextual body image mediated the effect of body dissatisfaction. Moreover, greater contextual body image was associated with lower sexual self-efficacy, more ambivalence in sexual decision-making, and more emotional disengagement during sex with a partner, implying that contextual body image is a better predictor of women's sexuality than general body image. Findings are discussed in relation to needed research and their implications for clinical interventions.

Ambivalence in Adolescents' Decisions about Having Their First Sexual Intercourse

“…Because diminished sexual opportunities indicate that young people are less likely to find partners who meet their expectations, and sexually avoidant behavior indicates anxiety of being rejected and of critical comments about their body, adolescents with lower body satisfaction were expected to be more ambivalent about becoming sexually active. In line with this, Yamamiya, Cash, and Thompson (2006) reported that body dissatisfaction was correlated with higher ambivalence in sexual decision making.…”

Sexual Self-Esteem in American and British College Women: Relations with Self-Objectification and Eating Problems

“…In addition, it might be expected that both types of sexual self-esteem would be related to sexual functioning (e.g., arousal, inorgasmia). Related research has indicated that American women who engage in higher body-monitoring and body selfconsciousness during sex report lower sexual esteem, less sexual assertiveness, less confidence in their sexual functioning, and more emotional disengagement from sexual experiences (Dove and Wiederman 2000;Wiederman 2000;Yamamiya et al 2006). In addition, recent research has demonstrated that women's body shame is significantly associated with more sexual problems, and this relationship was mediated by sexual self-consciousness during physical intimacy with a partner (Sanchez and Kiefer 2007).…”

Understanding Men’s Body Image in the Context of Their Romantic Relationships

“…That is, individuals may interpret sexual dysfunctions as indicative of being physically unattractive or undesirable, likely leading to body image anxiety (Tantleff-Dunn & Gokee, 2002). Such interpretations may inhibit romantic partners sexually and perhaps lead to avoidance of sexual interaction (Yamamiya, Cash, & Thompson, 2006). Based on previous research, we expect that men who have higher levels of sexual intimacy in their romantic relationships will have less body dissatisfaction than their peers with lower levels of sexual intimacy in their relationships.…”