Structural model of the relationship between sexual satisfaction and body image concern in women and men: mediating role of self-esteem and gender as moderator in university students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master's student in General Psychology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual satisfaction is an important factor in individuals' overall well-being, particularly in relation to marital problems and divorce. One of the most influential variables in this regard is body image concern, self-esteem, and gender. This study examined the simultaneous relationship of these variables in a structural model.

Method: The research design of this study was correlational. The target population consisted of all married students from universities in Tehran. The desired sample included 200 individuals who were selected through convenience sampling and responded to the questionnaire items. To measure the research variables, the Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQQ), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI) questionnaire were utilized.

Results: Data analysis of the research indicated that the proposed model exhibits a satisfactory fit after removing a non-significant path. The fit indices of the model showed goodness of fit (AGFI,NNFI,CFI,GFI,NFI>0.9). Therefore, path analysis results revealed that self-esteem mediates the relationship between sexual satisfaction and body image concerns (p<0.01).

Discussion and Conclusion: Body image concerns play a significant and influential role in sexual satisfaction. However, in this regard, it is important to adequately consider the significant and influential role of individuals' self-esteem. As evidenced by the modeling results in this study, despite the correlation between sexual satisfaction and body image concern, when the role of self-esteem in this relationship is taken into account, body image concerns only lead to a decrease in sexual satisfaction through their effect on individuals' self-esteem.

Keywords

Clinical Psychology and Personality

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 June 2024

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