Perceived impact of body feedback from romantic partners on young adults' body image and sexual well-being

The co-design and acceptability of a genital body image educational video for people with a penis

Within body image research, genital body image has not received significant attention. This project aimed to explore how positive genital body image could be fostered among people with a penis by co-designing and developing an educational resource. Participants were 22 people in Australia who identified as having a penis and were involved in three phases of co-design focus groups. Thematic and content analyses were used to generate themes across the data with each phase informing the next, culminating in a prototype resource being shown to participants in the final phase. Amongst the predominantly cisgender men sample, there was consensus that a brief, animated, educational video could have potential in promoting a positive genital body image in people with a penis. For video content, participants were not supportive of challenging societal messaging around penis size that "bigger is better". Instead, participants supported the inclusion of information about the range of penile functions, promoting acceptance of penile size/appearance and that fulfilling intimate relationships were possible irrespective of penis size. The feedback was positive overall for the final prototype video. To our knowledge, we describe the first co-designed educational resource for people with a penis and contribute to the understanding of this understudied topic.

Weight stigma from romantic partners: Its relations with maladaptive and adaptive coping and depressive symptoms

Social devaluation of being overweight is common in daily life, but little is known about the weight stigma in romantic relationships. The present study investigated the roles of maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies in the relation between the experience of weight stigma in romantic relationships and depressive symptoms in men and women, respectively. Analyses of gender differences and structural equation modeling yielded several findings. First, while men and women experienced similar levels of weight stigma from their romantic partners, women were more likely to use exercise avoidance, disengagement coping, and reappraisal coping strategies, and to exhibit more depressive symptoms than men. Second, men who experienced weight stigma tended to cope with it through exercise avoidance and disengagement coping, which were related to greater depressive symptoms. Men also coped with weight stigma adaptively via reappraisal coping, which was additionally associated with more positive affect. Third, the relation between the experience of weight stigma and depressive symptoms in women was only explained by using disengagement coping. These findings extend the understanding of weight stigma to a specific context and provide some insight that future interventions to reduce the impacts of weight stigma should be tailored accordingly for men and women.

Women Who Experience More Affectionate Touch Report Better Body Satisfaction and Relationship Outcomes

Affectionate touch (e.g. hugging, handholding) is an essential component of many intimate relationships and is a primary contributor to overall relationship satisfaction as well as sexual satisfaction. Affectionate touch is understood to be a form of non-verbal communication in which the giver is expressing positive feelings toward the receiver. Here, we propose that affectionate touch also positively impacts receivers' body satisfaction, because affectionate touch is a positive message communicated toward the receiver's body. In a cross-sectional sample of romantically partnered women (N = 1,156), we assessed the association between affectionate touch frequency and body satisfaction. We also investigated whether affectionate touch is associated with relationship/sexual satisfaction in part because touch helps to improve women's evaluations of their own bodies. Our results showed that body satisfaction was a significant, partial mediator and a valid path through which affectionate touch shapes relationship quality. Receiving affectionate touch could bolster relationship satisfaction and self-perceptions among women. Given the prevalence of body dissatisfaction amongst women, these results suggest that the underexplored associations between affectionate touch and body satisfaction may have significant impacts on a wide array of future empirical and applied research trajectories.

Body Uneasiness and Dissatisfaction Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Persons

Introduction

While sexual minority people have been widely considered at risk for developing a range of body image concerns, evidence of body dissatisfaction and shame amongst LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals is mixed. This study investigated differences in body uneasiness, body dissatisfaction, and self-blaming/attacking attitudes between LGB and heterosexual individuals, as well as within LGB groups, while also examining the predictive role of body mass index (BMI).

Methods

A sample of cisgender lesbian women (n = 163), gay men (n = 277), bisexual women (n = 135), bisexual men (n = 39), heterosexual women (n = 398), and heterosexual men (n = 219) completed an online survey assessing different aspects of body image between May and July 2020.

Results

Gay and bisexual men reported greater body image disturbance and self-blaming attitudes relative to heterosexual men. In contrast, lesbian women reported lower body uneasiness than their bisexual and heterosexual counterparts, but greater self-hate. Moreover, lesbian and bisexual women showed more body dissatisfaction than gay men, and bisexual individuals reported more body uneasiness than individuals in other sexual minority subgroups. Higher BMI emerged as a significant predictor of body image concerns and dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

Body image dimensions showed sexual identity-based differences. Determining the specific nuances of body image in LGB individuals can provide important information on potential risk factors that may impact mental health outcomes.

Policy Implications

In-depth knowledge of body dissatisfaction and uneasiness in individuals with LGB identities may have critical implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.

Body Image and Sexual Well-Being: A Qualitative Study of Women's Perceptions of Partner and Relationship Influences

Women with poorer body image tend to report lower sexual well-being; yet, minimal research has examined interpersonal factors affecting women's body image in the context of sexual activity. We examined women's perceptions of the influence of relationship and partner factors on their body image during sexual activity with their male partner. Semi-structured interviews with 16 young adult women (ages 19-29) revealed that relationship factors (relationship quality and stage) and partner factors (partner's judgment or objectification, compliments from partner, partner's attractiveness, partner's body image, and partner initiation of sexual activity) were perceived as influencing body image in sexual situations.

"Making Peace" with Bodies and Sexual Selves: Changes during COVID-19 among Adults in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the physical and mental health of many and has necessitated widespread societal shifts, including changes to work and family activities. These changes have impacted individuals’ identity, including their sexual self-image and body image, yet research on perceptions of these changes is missing. This study reports on quantitative and qualitative data from an electronic survey with adults in the United States (N = 326) to examine these perceptions. Body appreciation did not significantly differ between demographic groups. Themes emerging from the qualitative results included changes in general self-image (becoming more restricted or disempowered), changes in sexual self-image (deepening, becoming more sexy/sexual, or less sexy/sexual), and changes in body image (positive, negative, and neutral). Our findings point to positive, negative, and neutral effects on sexual self-image and body image, implying that nuanced approaches are needed to understand how identity has transformed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I Feel Better Naked: Communal Naked Activity Increases Body Appreciation by Reducing Social Physique Anxiety

Positive body image predicts several measures of happiness, well-being, and sexual functioning. Prior research has suggested a link between communal naked activity and positive body image, but has thus far not clarified either the direction or mechanisms of this relationship. This was the first randomized controlled trial of the effects of nakedness on body image. Two potential explanatory mediators of this effect were also investigated. Fifty-one participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups in which they interacted with other people either naked (naked condition) or clothed (control condition). All participants completed measures of body appreciation before and after the intervention, as well as measures of the relative perceived attractiveness of others and social physique anxiety immediately after the intervention. Perceived attractiveness of others was neither affected by the manipulation nor correlated with body appreciation. However, as expected, participants in the naked condition reported more body appreciation, an effect that was mediated by reductions in social physique anxiety. This research provides initial evidence that naked activity can lead to improvements in body image and evidence of a specific explanatory mechanism. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

The Power of Words: Appearance Comments from One's Partner Can Affect Men's Body Image and Women's Couple Relationship

Background: The purpose of the present study was to examine, through an experimental vignette design, the effects of appearance-related comments from one’s partner on body image and the perceived quality of one’s relationship. Body image was considered both in negative (body dissatisfaction) and positive (body compassion) terms. Methods: Appearance-related commentary from one’s partner was manipulated through a vignette describing the purchase of a swimsuit. The participants (n = 211) were women and men who were randomly assigned to one of the three experimental conditions (positive comment, negative comment, no comment). Results: A series of ANOVAs showed different findings for women and men. Being criticized for body weight and shape caused an increase in body dissatisfaction and a decrease in body compassion in men but not in women. Regarding couple satisfaction, women who imagined receiving a compliment about their body perceived being more accepted by their partner and were less afraid of being abandoned or rejected. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of appearance-based comments from one’s partner on men’s body image and on women’s perception of their couple relationship. Therefore, appearance comments might be addressed by interventions aimed at enhancing positive body image, reducing body dissatisfaction, and fostering couple relationships, carefully considering sex differences.

High satisfaction on genital self-perception and sexual function in healthy Norwegian male adolescents

BACKGROUND

Genital self-perception and self-reported outcome on sexual function represent important information in studies focusing on male adolescents born with a genital malformation. Normal data from an age-matched control group are essential for comparison and more knowledge is needed concerning age after puberty and before entering adulthood.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the self-reported outcome on genital perception and sexual outcome of healthy male adolescents aged 16 and 17 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty-one individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. The assessment tools included the adolescents' self-report on genital perception and sexual function measured by the Pediatric Penile Perception Score (PPPS) and their responses to a semi-structured interview. In addition, we added information on mental health and psychosocial functioning measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Body satisfaction and self-esteem were also measured by the Global Self-Worth and Physical Appearance subscales of the revised version of the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (SPPA).

RESULTS

Of the 73 individuals invited, a total of 61 participated. The adolescents reported high satisfaction on genital self-perception and sexual function with a score close to 10 on the overall PPPS score (maximum overall score is 12). Participants who were dissatisfied with their genitals reported penile length, alongside foreskin, as their main concern. More than 90% reported satisfaction on sexual function, concerning erection, masturbation, ejaculation, and orgasm. Results showed a higher score on body satisfaction, self-esteem, mental health and psychosocial functioning and a lower score on HRQoL compared to the normative Norwegian data. The small numbers of individuals that scored more negatively on genital self-perception and sexual function also scored more negatively in all items studied.

DISCUSSION

A key finding in our study was their high satisfaction on the overall PPPS score and reported sexual function. The results are comparable to other studies related to healthy male adolescents and the sample studied deviate little from a representative Norwegian sample. A comparison group of age-matched adolescents from the normative population is important to determine long-term outcomes on genital appearance and sexual function of patients born with a genital malformation and operated on in early childhood. Limitations of this study are the small sample-size and the lack of information on non-participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show generally positive genital self-perception and sexual function in a healthy group of Norwegian male adolescents, aged 16 and 17.

What Influences Coital Frequency Among Chinese Men?: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

There are many Western reports on factors influencing coital frequency among men. However, no articles could be found about the factors influencing sexual activity among Chinese men.

AIM

The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence the coital frequency of Chinese men.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures included self-reported monthly coital frequency, age, occupation, education level, andrology-related scales and dietary habits.

METHODS

Data for 1,407 men aged 18-79 years were collected in the Health Management Center of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2019 to May 2019. The respondents completed the questionnaires independently or with the help of an interviewer (who read or explained the questionnaires to them) to analyse the factors that influence coital frequency.

RESULTS

In the previous 6 months, the sample had a mean monthly coital frequency (±SD) of 4.34 ± 3.18. Univariate logistic regression results indicated that the number of children (P = 0.004), IIEF-5 scores (P <0.001), EHSs (P <0.001) and frequency of milk consumption (P = 0.001) were associated with more frequent sexual activity. These statistical associations did not change after further adjustment for age, occupation, and reproductive history. We observed that the frequency of sexual activity showed an increasing trend with a greater number of children, higher IIEF-5 scores, higher EHSs and greater frequency of milk consumption (test for trend, P<0.05). Both univariate and multivariate analysis results indicated that the frequency of sexual activity decreased with increasing age (test for trend, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The coital frequency of Chinese men is associated with erectile function, anthropometric parameters, age, occupation, and dietary habits. Xiang Y, Peng J, Yang J, et al. What Influences Coital Frequency Among Chinese Men?: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2021;9:100363.

Review of the Experience of Weight-Based Stigmatization in Romantic Relationships

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review summarizes literature on the stigma and prejudices experienced by individuals based on their weight in the context of romantic relationships.

RECENT FINDINGS

Individuals presenting with overweight or obesity, particularly women, are disadvantaged in the formation of romantic relationships compared with their normal-weight counterparts. They are also more prone to experience weight-based stigmatization towards their couple (from others), as well as among their couple (from their romantic partner). Currently available studies showed that weight-based stigmatization by a romantic partner was found to be associated with personal and interpersonal correlates, such as body dissatisfaction, relationship and sexual dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behaviors. Scientific literature on weight-based stigmatization among romantic relationships is still scarce. Prospective researches are clearly needed to identify consequences of this specific type of stigmatization on individuals' personal and interpersonal well-being. The use of dyadic designs could help to deepen our understanding as it would take into account the interdependence of both partners.

Body Image, Orgasmic Response, and Sexual Relationship Satisfaction: Understanding Relationships and Establishing Typologies Based on Body Image Satisfaction

Introduction

This study explored the role of body image dissatisfaction on orgasmic response during partnered sex and masturbation and on sexual relationship satisfaction. The study also described typologies of women having different levels of body image satisfaction.

Methods

A sample of 257 Norwegian women responded to an online survey assessing body image dissatisfaction, problems with orgasm, and sexual relationship satisfaction. Using structural equation modeling and factor mixture modeling, the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and orgasmic response was assessed, and clusters of sexual response characteristics associated with varying levels of body image dissatisfaction were identified.

Main Outcome Measure

Orgasmic function during partnered sex and masturbation, along with sexual relationship satisfaction, were assessed as a function of body image.

Results

Body image dissatisfaction, along with a number of covariates, predicted higher levels of “problems with orgasm” during both partnered sex and masturbation, with no significant difference in the association depending on the type of sexual activity. Varying levels of body image dissatisfaction/satisfaction were associated with differences in orgasmic incidence, difficulty, and pleasure during partnered sex; with one orgasmic parameter during masturbation; and with sexual relationship satisfaction.

Conclusion

Body image dissatisfaction and likely concomitant psychological distress are related to impaired orgasmic response during both partnered sex and masturbation and may diminish sexual relationship satisfaction. Women with high body image dissatisfaction can be characterized by specific sexual response patterns.

Horvath Z, Smith BH, Sal D, et al. Body Image, Orgasmic Response, and Sexual Relationship Satisfaction: Understanding Relationships and Establishing Typologies Based on Body Image Satisfaction. Sex Med 2020;8:740–751.

The Breast Size Satisfaction Survey (BSSS): Breast size dissatisfaction and its antecedents and outcomes in women from 40 nations

The Breast Size Satisfaction Survey (BSSS) was established to assess women's breast size dissatisfaction and breasted experiences from a cross-national perspective. A total of 18,541 women were recruited from 61 research sites across 40 nations and completed measures of current-ideal breast size discrepancy, as well as measures of theorised antecedents (personality, Western and local media exposure, and proxies of socioeconomic status) and outcomes (weight and appearance dissatisfaction, breast awareness, and psychological well-being). In the total dataset, 47.5 % of women wanted larger breasts than they currently had, 23.2 % wanted smaller breasts, and 29.3 % were satisfied with their current breast size. There were significant cross-national differences in mean ideal breast size and absolute breast size dissatisfaction, but effect sizes were small (η² = .02-.03). The results of multilevel modelling showed that greater Neuroticism, lower Conscientiousness, lower Western media exposure, greater local media exposure, lower financial security, and younger age were associated with greater breast size dissatisfaction across nations. In addition, greater absolute breast size dissatisfaction was associated with greater weight and appearance dissatisfaction, poorer breast awareness, and poorer psychological well-being across nations. These results indicate that breast size dissatisfaction is a global public health concern linked to women's psychological and physical well-being.

Lifestyle, body mass index and wellness in youth: Strengthens and weakness in Italian youth

This study investigated the psychological wellbeing and body perception among young Italian people. Drinking, eating, and sexual behaviors have been examined in relation to body mass index (BMI) and psychological well-being by EPOCH framework. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted on Italian adolescent and young adult population through an online survey. Qualitative and quantitative data on lifestyle, BMI classes, and psychological characteristics of wellness in youth were obtained from a sample of 1221 Italian participants using a self-report questionnaire on body perception and habits, a socio-demographics inventory, and the EPOCH measure. Findings suggest that being underweight or overweight is associated with various factors, including gender, self-control regarding food, perception of one’s body, and the happiness domain. EPOCH framework revealed the psychological wellness of girls and young women did not seem strongly affected by BMI, though Perseverance and Happiness seemed reduced with increasing BMI. The Engagement, Optimism, and Connectedness domains were not significantly affected by the BMI variable. On the contrary, Perseverance and Happiness seemed reduced with increasing BMI and were related to physical shape. Our study offers a new perspective: promoting the development of positive psychological characteristics since adolescence to boost quality of life by improving wellness, by EPOCH approach could be functional reinforcing specific psychological aspects in young generations regarding future wellness, improving the positive perception and management of their own health.

Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are both stages in which romantic relationships play a key role in development and can be a source of both well-being and negative outcomes. However, the limited number of studies prior to adulthood, along with the multiplicity of variables involved in the romantic context and the considerable ambiguity surrounding the construct of well-being, make it difficult to reach conclusions about the relationship between the two phenomena. This systematic review synthesizes the results produced into this topic over the last three decades. A total of 112 studies were included, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. On the one hand, these works revealed the terminological heterogeneity in research on well-being and the way the absence of symptoms of illness are commonly used to measure it, while on the other hand, they also showed that romantic relationships can be an important source of well-being for both adolescents and emerging adults. The findings underline the importance of providing a better definition of well-being, as well as to attribute greater value to the significance of romantic relationships. Devoting greater empirical, educational, and community efforts to romantic development in the stages leading up to adulthood are considered necessary actions in promoting the well-being of young people.

Body Image Development and Sexual Satisfaction: A Prospective Study From Adolescence to Adulthood

The aim of the current study was to explore whether developmental trajectories of body satisfaction from adolescence to young adulthood predicted measures of sexual satisfaction in young adulthood, even when controlling for important covariates such as gender, weight development, relationship status, mental health, and frequency of sexual intercourse and masturbation. Data were collected from a population-based prospective cohort of Norwegian adolescents (n = 2,587) over a period of 13 years in four waves (1992, 1994, 1999, and 2005; mean age = 14.9 in 1992, 57.3% women). Latent growth curves were estimated for body satisfaction and body mass index (BMI). Men reported higher sexual satisfaction, sexual activity, baseline body satisfaction, and BMI than women. The developmental trajectories revealed a slight increase in body satisfaction and BMI from adolescence to young adulthood in both genders. Moreover, structural equation models showed that baseline body satisfaction in both genders predicted sexual satisfaction as a young adult, independent of relationship status and frequency of sexual activity. Neither the development of BMI nor of body satisfaction predicted sexual satisfaction. The results elucidate the vital role of body satisfaction in sexual satisfaction in adults and the importance of addressing body dissatisfaction in childhood.

Summative Content Analysis for Understanding of Romantic Relationships Among Rural Mexican American Adolescent Women

An understanding of romantic relationships among adolescent Mexican-American females is lacking yet needed to provide culturally appropriate sexual health interventions. Although explored among other populations, romantic relationships among adolescents in rural settings is under-studied. This study explores romantic relationships for rural Mexican American female adolescents as a component of sexual health promotion. Rural Mexican-American adolescent females (n = 82) aged 14-18 years were recruited via convenience sampling at a rural health clinic. They completed open-ended individual interviews describing romantic relationships. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using summative content analysis. The majority reported sexual activity (62.2%) of which 23.5% had been pregnant. Summative content analyses identified personal characteristics and relationship characteristics as main categories with eight additional subcategories from responses. Sex was reported as what men wanted from women while physical attractiveness was perceived as important for both genders in development of romantic relationships. They prioritized other relational and personal characteristic such as integrity, and partner treatment of self and others. More obesity was present among those reportedly in romantic relationships. Description of parental roles as a component of romantic relationships was not present. Addressing adolescent romantic relationship with an emphasis on what male and female adolescents want or perceive as expected from relationships, long-term outcomes of relationships and on parental roles may enhance sexual health among rural Mexican-American adolescent populations. This study addresses a gap in literature by exploring romantic relationships for rural Mexican American female adolescents. This understanding of romantic relationships augments existing sexual health programing for these adolescents.

The Association of Relationship Status and Sex-Life Satisfaction With Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Muscularity in Male Weight-Lifters

Relationship status and sexuality are linked to body image concerns, but research on the connection to men’s drive for muscularity (DfM) is scarce. Extreme DfM can lead to a pathological preoccupation with muscularity and problematic eating/exercising behavior. This study investigated the relation of relationship status, relationship duration, and satisfaction with sex-life in weight-lifting men via an online survey (N = 270). Using cross-sectional data, we found that single weight-lifting men and those dissatisfied with their sex-life were more dissatisfied with their muscularity and showed stronger DfM than those in a relationship and satisfied men. Longer relationship duration was associated with less dissatisfaction with muscularity and less DfM while relationship satisfaction was not. Thus, being in a relationship and sexual satisfaction are related to less body dissatisfaction and DfM. Further research should use dyadic study designs to investigate both partners exercising and eating behavior in relation to each other.

Prospective predictors of body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and muscularity concerns among young women in France: A sociocultural model

The aim of this study was to explore a prospective sociocultural model of the influence of media, peers, and partners on body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and muscularity concerns in a sample of young women in France. A sample of 192 undergraduate women with a mean age of 20.97 years (SD = 2.69) completed a questionnaire at two time-points, 12 months apart, assessing media and interpersonal influences, appearance comparison, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and muscularity concerns. The final model highlighted that media and interpersonal influences (from peers and romantic partners) were associated over time with increased body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and muscularity concerns one year later, via appearance comparison. Sociocultural influences towards both thinness and muscularity may contribute to increases in body image concerns and risky body change behaviors in young women in France.

Young women's perceptions of the impact of their body image on their sexual experiences

The goal of this study was to explore women's perceptions of their body within the context of their sexual relationship with a male partner. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 young women (ages 19 to 29). Thematic analysis revealed that women described a fluctuating body image that influences their behaviour and experience of sexual activity including initiating or avoiding, openness or inhibition, and feeling engaged or distracted. They described contextual factors that affect their body image in sexual situations (e.g., lighting, sexual position) as well as strategies they used to ameliorate the impact of body image concerns (e.g., self-talk, shifting focus), to varying degrees of success. Most indicated that they were able to enjoy partnered sexual activity despite their insecurities. Thus, women viewed their sexual experiences as influenced by body image in dynamic, fluctuating ways, with numerous influencing factors. Strategies for mitigating these perceived negative effects are discussed.

Does "body talk" improve body satisfaction among same-sex couples?

Research suggests the important role of romantic partners in shaping how individuals feel about their bodies (e.g., Markey & Markey, 2013, 2014), but the processes that result in changes in body satisfaction within relationships have rarely been examined. To investigate how partners may potentially affect body image, 72 lesbian couples and 72 gay male couples (total N=288) completed body image assessments on their own and with the help of their partners. Multilevel modeling revealed that both men and women reported an improvement in body satisfaction after talking with their partners while completing the body image assessment together. Improvement in body satisfaction appeared to result from participants' reconsideration of their body ideals, not their appraisal of their current bodies. Implications of these findings for improving body image in the context of relationships are discussed.