Satisfaction with appearance as a predictor of specific sexual problems and related distress

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.06.019

Commentary

Dissatisfaction with human appearance is a sensitive issue and has been linked to depression, dissatisfaction in romantic relationships, and decreased sexual satisfaction.

This study examined appearance satisfaction, specific sexual problems, and related distress, as well as relationship satisfaction.

A large web sample (N = 2,903) of Norwegians in romantic relationships was analyzed in a one-time survey.

As a result, participants reported experiencing five different sexual problems and levels of distress associated with them. Satisfaction with appearance was found to be less commonly reported for sexual problems.

Specifically, it means they are less likely to experience problems such as lack of enjoyment, lack of excitement, and lack of climax. Satisfaction with appearance was not associated with distress related to overall sexual problems, but was associated with less distress about lack of excitement and lack of climax.

The results also showed that relationship satisfaction did not serve as a moderator of association.