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

Abstract

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.

Declaration of Interest Statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.