Sexual satisfaction and body image: a cross-sectional study among Norwegian young adults

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the relationship between age, gender, body mass index (BMI), body image, and perceived intimacy with partner and sexual satisfaction in young Norwegian adults.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was completed online by 27.2% (n = 568) of a representative national web sample of 2,090 persons aged 18–29 years.

Results: Women were more dissatisfied with their body than men and BMI increased with age. A negative body image correlated with BMI, particularly among women. There was no gender difference in reported sexual satisfaction and perceived intimacy with partner. The most important direct path leading to increased sexual satisfaction was from perceived intimacy with partner, followed by body image and age. By influencing body image, BMI, and gender influenced sexual satisfaction indirectly. Being male increased the likelihood of having a positive body image, which in turn increased the likelihood of reporting being sexually satisfied. Additionally, a lower BMI increased the likelihood of being satisfied with one's body, which in turn increased sexual satisfaction.

Conclusion: Body image is clearly related to sexual satisfaction, particularly in women. However, body image is not associated with the perception of intimacy with one's partner, which is the most important factor for feeling sexually satisfied.

KEYWORDS:

• Body image
• sexual satisfaction
• BMI
• emotional intimacy
• young adults
• Norway

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bente Træen

Bente Træen, PhD, is a professor in health psychology. Her main research interests are on sexual behavior and sexual function.

Aleksandra Markovic

Aleksandra Markovic, Cand. Psychol., works with educational psychological counseling for children and adolescents in Oslo.

Ingela Lundin Kvalem

Ingela Lundin Kvalem, PhD, is an assistant professor in health psychology. Her main research interests are on adolescent sexual behavior, body image and obesity.