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

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

Explanation

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

This study investigated the relationship between appearance satisfaction, specific sexual problems, and related distress, and also sought to test the moderating role of relationship satisfaction.

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

As a result, participants reported experiencing five different sexual problems and associated levels of distress.

Satisfaction with appearance was shown to be associated with fewer reports of sexual problems, specifically, a lower likelihood of experiencing problems such as lack of enjoyment, lack of excitement, and lack of climax.

Additionally, 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.

Relationship satisfaction does not serve as a moderator of association.