TY - JOUR

T1 - Appearance Satisfaction as a Predictor of Specific Sexual Problems and Associated Distress

AU - Øverup, Camilla S.

AU - Strizzi, Jenna Marie

AU - Cipric, Ana

AU - Træen, Bente

AU - Hald, Gert Martin

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2021 International Society for Sexual Medicine

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Introduction: Appearance dissatisfaction is a sensitive issue and has been tied to depression, dissatisfaction in romantic relationships, and reduced sexual satisfaction. Aim: This study sought to examine associations between appearance satisfaction and specific sexual problems and related distress, testing also the moderating role of relationship satisfaction. Methods: A large web-sample of Norwegians in romantic relationships (N = 2,903) completed a one-time survey. Outcomes: Participants reported on their experience of five different sexual problems and associated level of distress. Results: We found that appearance satisfaction was associated with reporting fewer sexual problems, and specifically, with a smaller likelihood of experiencing problems with lack of enjoyment, lack of excitement, and lack of climax. Furthermore, appearance satisfaction was unrelated to overall sexual problem-related distress, but was associated with feeling less distress about lack of excitement and lack of climax. Relationship satisfaction did not serve as a moderator of the associations. Clinical Translation: These findings suggest the importance of attending to appearance satisfaction when working with clients with multiple sexual problems, particularly those related to excitement and enjoyment. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths of the study include a large sample of partnered adults and assessment of specific sexual problems and associated distress. A limitation is that outcomes were assessed using single items, rather than multi-item scales. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of examining the presence of sexual problems and associated distress separately, and to consider appearance satisfaction as a predictor of sexual functioning. Øverup CS, Strizzi JM, Cipric A, et al. Appearance Satisfaction as a Predictor of Specific Sexual Problems and Associated Distress. J Sex Med 2021;18:1532–1544.

AB - Introduction: Appearance dissatisfaction is a sensitive issue and has been tied to depression, dissatisfaction in romantic relationships, and reduced sexual satisfaction. Aim: This study sought to examine associations between appearance satisfaction and specific sexual problems and related distress, testing also the moderating role of relationship satisfaction. Methods: A large web-sample of Norwegians in romantic relationships (N = 2,903) completed a one-time survey. Outcomes: Participants reported on their experience of five different sexual problems and associated level of distress. Results: We found that appearance satisfaction was associated with reporting fewer sexual problems, and specifically, with a smaller likelihood of experiencing problems with lack of enjoyment, lack of excitement, and lack of climax. Furthermore, appearance satisfaction was unrelated to overall sexual problem-related distress, but was associated with feeling less distress about lack of excitement and lack of climax. Relationship satisfaction did not serve as a moderator of the associations. Clinical Translation: These findings suggest the importance of attending to appearance satisfaction when working with clients with multiple sexual problems, particularly those related to excitement and enjoyment. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths of the study include a large sample of partnered adults and assessment of specific sexual problems and associated distress. A limitation is that outcomes were assessed using single items, rather than multi-item scales. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of examining the presence of sexual problems and associated distress separately, and to consider appearance satisfaction as a predictor of sexual functioning. Øverup CS, Strizzi JM, Cipric A, et al. Appearance Satisfaction as a Predictor of Specific Sexual Problems and Associated Distress. J Sex Med 2021;18:1532–1544.

KW - Appearance satisfaction

KW - BMI

KW - Body satisfaction

KW - Relationship satisfaction

KW - Sexual distress

KW - Sexual dysfunction

KW - Sexual problems

U2 - 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.06.019

DO - 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.06.019

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 34353752

AN - SCOPUS:85111831061

VL - 18

SP - 1532

EP - 1544

JO - Journal of Sexual Medicine

JF - Journal of Sexual Medicine

SN - 1743-6095

IS - 9

ER -