The role of body image in sexual satisfaction among partnered older adults: a population-based study in four European countries

Abstract

Body image issues can affect all domains of sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to examine how, in a sociocultural context where physical and sexual attractiveness is equated with young and slim body ideals, appearance dissatisfaction and importance are related to sexual satisfaction in older adults in four European countries. A cross-sectional survey with probability samples of the population aged 60-75 years was used. Only respondents with a partner were included in this paper, and the countries included Norway (n = 957), Denmark (n = 846), Belgium (n = 612), and Portugal (n = 367). Sexual satisfaction, appearance dissatisfaction and importance were assessed, and frequency of intercourse/kissing and cuddling, relationship satisfaction, age, and body mass index (BMI) were all used as control variables. Belgian men scored significantly lower on sexual satisfaction, while there was no difference in sexual satisfaction in women. Appearance dissatisfaction was lower in Scandinavian women and men, and in Belgian men, and appearance salience was lower in Norwegian men and women, and in Portuguese women. Linear regression analysis revealed that, adjusting for confounders, appearance dissatisfaction was significantly related to sexual satisfaction in Scandinavian women and men, as well as in Belgian men. Compared to research on younger adults, appearance evaluation appeared to play an equally important role in sexual satisfaction in older adults in our study. The variation in appearance dissatisfaction in older adults across European countries is a novel finding that needs to be examined further.

Appearance Satisfaction as a Predictor of Specific Sexual Problems and Associated Distress

“…Lastly, consistent with past research, 43,78 the current research examined relationship satisfaction as a predictor of sexual problems or sexual functioning. However, it may be that relationship satisfaction may serve as the outcome, such that sexual functioning predicts relationship satisfaction.…”

“…51 With respect to relationship satisfaction, it is associated with greater body image satisfaction. 52,53 However, some research suggests that relationship factors, such as intimacy and satisfaction, are more important in predicting sexual satisfaction and functioning than are body image variables. 53 Indeed, among younger women, after controlling for relationship satisfaction, body image variables no longer predicted sexual satisfaction or sexual functioning.…”

Hormone therapy and trans sexuality: A review.

“…(2019) noted that the positive association between HT and sexual satisfaction may best be explained by increases in body satisfaction, particularly in transfeminine people/trans women. This is unsurprising as body satisfaction or body esteem has repeatedly been shown to correlate with sexual satisfaction in existing research, largely with cisgender samples (e.g., Kvalem et al., 2020; Pujols et al., 2010; Thomas et al., 2019). Increased body satisfaction in trans people is positively correlated with time since transition began (Staples et al., 2020).…”

Body image as a global mental health concern

“…Studies in European non-English-speaking countries have overall evidenced findings that are similar to those in high-income English-speaking countries, although overall rates of body image concerns tend to be lower than in the USA (Frederick et al, 2007 ; Holmqvist and Frisén, 2010 ). Within Europe, variations exist in terms of body image, for example, individuals from Belgium and Portugal have reported lower rates of body size satisfaction as compared to Norway and Denmark (Kvalem et al, 2020 ).…”