The relationship between positive body image and sexual satisfaction in women: The role of body awareness and subjective sexual arousal

Abstract

Previous research demonstrated an important relationship between positive body image and sexual satisfaction in women. The present study expanded previous research by assessing the mediating role of body awareness and subjective sexual arousal in this relationship. In a cross-sectional design, 148 Dutch women completed an online survey measuring positive body image (BAS-2), body awareness (MAIA), subjective sexual arousal (SAI), and sexual satisfaction (SSS-W). Hypotheses were tested using correlation analyses and a mediation analysis with positive body image as predictor, body awareness and subjective sexual arousal as mediators, and sexual satisfaction as outcome. Results of the correlation analyses showed that a more positive body image is related to more sexual satisfaction. The mediation analysis revealed that this relationship was mediated by more body awareness and subsequently more subjective sexual arousal. These findings may be valuable in selecting the appropriate targets for effective treatment interventions helpful in building a pleasurable and more satisfying sex life, and thereby improve women’s overall well-being.