Body Image Self-consciousness Research Articles

(293) Observed Relationship Between Testosterone Levels and Perceived Body Image

Abstract Introduction A positively perceived body image is an important part of one’s conception of oneself and one’s own identity, abilities, and worth. Past research has shown an inverse relationship between testosterone concentration and one’s sense of self, as manifested by increased depression. We hypothesized, therefore, that a subjectively negative self-image would be associated with the objective findings of hypogonadism (low testosterone). Objective To investigate the relationship between one’s own serum testosterone and a personal assessment of one’s body image and satisfaction. Methods An electronic survey was delivered through REDCap to patients at our urology clinic with a recent testosterone value documented in the observation interval 1/1/2020-12/31/2022. The survey included components of the following validated surveys: the Self-Rated Bodily Attractiveness Survey, the Male Body Image Self-Conscious Scale, and the Body Esteem Scale. Specifically, we asked each patient about their perceived bodily attractiveness as it pertains to sexual intercourse as well as specific inquiries about feelings towards specific body parts. Each answer choice corresponded to a five-point Likert-Scale, enabling respondents to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement. We then retrospectively recorded the most recent testosterone value recorded in each respondent’s electronic medical record. T-tests were utilized to compare testosterone values for men with high versus low survey scores using SPSS. Results The men who reported a positive cumulative body image score from the survey had an average testosterone of 749.15 ng/dL, whereas men who had a negative body image score from our survey had an average testosterone of 340.67 ng/dL. Importantly, these testosterone values were statistically significant from each other, as indicated by a t-value of 2.58 and a p-value of .0095. To establish clear distinctions between the positive and negative body image cohorts, we set threshold scores for each group: the positive body image cohort was defined as individuals scoring at least 34 out of 45 (≥ 75%), while the negative body image cohort comprised those with scores no higher than 30 out of 45. Interestingly, there were no respondents whose cumulative scores fell within the range of 30 to 34. The positive body image cohort had an average score of 39.92 out of 45, while the negative body image cohort had an average score of 23.00 out of 45. Conclusions Based on our findings, it appears that men with hypogonadism, as characterized by low testosterone, may be more likely to experience a negative body image. This relationship is supported by this cohort’s response to several questionnaires addressing one’s own assessment of self-worth. Men with low testosterone versus eugonadal controls scored significantly lower in surveys addressing bodily attractiveness, male body image self-consciousness, and body esteem. These results highlight the relationship between low testosterone and body image, contributing to our understanding of the psychological factors that can influence well-being in men. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential implications and challenges faced by individuals with hypogonadism, addressing concurrently both their hormonal deficiencies and their negative sense of self. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Larry Lipshultz: AbbVie (Consultant) American Medical Systems/Boston Scientific (Speaker) Aytu BioScience (Consultant) Contraline, Inc. (Consultant) Endo Pharmaceuticals (Consultant/Speaker) Inherent Biosciences (Advisor) Lipocine (Consultant).

Narcissistic personality traits and sexual dysfunction in women: the role of body image self-consciousness

Narcissistic personality traits and sexual dysfunction in women: the role of body image self-consciousness

Narcissistic personality traits and sexual dysfunction in women: the role of body image self-consciousness

Narcissistic personality traits and sexual dysfunction in women: the role of body image self-consciousness

Men’s sexual distress: the role of body image and vulnerable narcissistic traits

Numerous studies have established the importance of body image self-consciousness in predicting sexual distress and dissatisfaction in women. However, there is a dearth of information analyzing whether the same relation applies to men. Sexual perfectionism is a sexual correlate that has shown diverse links with sexual-related outcomes. The aim of the present study was to determine the degree to which certain sexuality-related factors, such as body image self consciousness and sexual perfectionism, and certain personality traits, namely grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic traits, may be associated with sexual discomfort in men. An online survey including self-report measures of sexual correlates variables and narcissistic personality traits was administered to a sample of 212 men, who provided the data used to investigate these associations. We performed a stepwise regression analysis, including the sexual-specific variables in the first step and vulnerable and grandiose narcissism in the second step. Sexual distress was linked to vulnerable narcissistic features and body image self-consciousness, according to our research. The clinical implications of our findings emphasize the need of evaluating body image concerns and taking personality characteristics into account when addressing sexual difficulties in men.

Body image self-consciousness, sexting, and sexual satisfaction among midlife Canadians

Life circumstances at midlife are often different than those for younger adults (e.g., relationship type and duration, physical health, experience of sexual problems), and these circumstances impact experiences of sexuality and sexual behaviour. Past research on sexual behaviours like sexting, which has been primarily conducted on young people, may not generalize to middle-aged adults. Sexting may be a beneficial activity for midlife adults in long-term relationships who are seeking private and convenient ways to communicate sexual interest. Furthermore, as in younger samples, sexting may be associated with body image and sexual satisfaction. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 640 midlife (40–59 years old) married Canadians was conducted to address these suppositions. Structural equation modelling was used to test the factorial validity of a body image self-consciousness (BISC) scale and to investigate the connections between BISC, sexting frequency (to communicate sexual interest, to initiate sexual activity, and that include a picture), and sexual satisfaction. Almost one-half of participants (43%) reported sexting to communicate sexual interest, 37% sexted to initiate sexual activity, and 18% sexted sexy pictures of themselves. Women with lower levels of BISC were more likely to sext (communicate, initiate, and pictures), and men with lower levels of BISC were more likely to send sexts with pictures. Both men and women with lower levels of BISC and those who engaged in sexting to communicate sexual interest had higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Sexting may be an opportunity for busy marital partners to engage in technology-mediated sexual activity when apart. The current results indicate that technology-mediated sexual communication has similar psychological mechanisms to face-to-face interactions and that sexting may be a beneficial behaviour for sexual satisfaction within midlife marriages.

Narcissistic Personality Traits and Sexual Dysfunction in Women: The Role of Body Image Self-Consciousness

BackgroundIndividuals with narcissistic traits, specifically vulnerable ones, are more prone to experiencing concerns related to self-worth and physical appearance and to showing heightened sensitivity to appearance evaluation. Negative body image and body image self-consciousness may, in turn, undermine sexual functioning, especially when apprehension is related to body appearance in sexual contexts. MethodsWe aimed to evaluate the associations between self-reported pathological narcissistic traits, both grandiose and vulnerable, and sexual functioning in a large sample of nonclinical women (N = 656). Furthermore, we tested the mediating role of body image self-consciousness in these associations. OutcomesSexual functioning was measured through the Female Sexual Function Index. ResultsThe results highlight that vulnerable narcissistic traits are associated with lower sexual functioning, this association being mediated by higher levels of body image self-consciousness. Conversely, grandiose narcissistic traits are linked to lower body image self-consciousness and, consequently, higher levels of sexual functioning. Clinical ImplicationsConsidering the link between body image self-consciousness and sexuality is of utmost importance in clinical practice with women, as well as in promoting positive body appreciation. Clinicians working with individuals presenting with pathological personality traits should consider including an assessment of their sexual functioning. S Pavanello Decaro, M Di Sarno, A Anzani, et al. Narcissistic Personality Traits and Sexual Dysfunction in Women: The Role of Body Image Self-Consciousness. J Sex Med 2021;18:1891–1898.

Eating Disorders and Sexual Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Body Image Self-consciousness during Physical Intimacy and Dissociation

ABSTRACT Women with eating disorders experience difficulties related to sexual activity, yet little is known about the indirect association between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction. This study examined the indirect association between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction using body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy and dissociation as mediators. Online questionnaires were answered by 985 Israeli women. Of them, 98 were identified as likely to have eating disorders (study group). A matching control group (n = 98) was selected from the remaining respondents. Participants in the study group had significantly higher body image self-consciousness and dissociation than the matched controls, as well as significantly lower sexual satisfaction. The research model revealed that body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy mediates the link between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction, while dissociation does not. Women with eating disorders have higher levels of self-consciousness about their body during sexual activity, which may distract them from their own sexual needs and desires and those of their partners, and this, in turn, is associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Findings highlight the need for improved evidenced-based assessment and management of the sexual satisfaction of women with eating disorders. Abbreviations: ED: eating disorders; AN: anorexia nervosa; BN: bulimia nervosa; BED: binge eating disorder.

Profiles of Sexual Disorders and Eating Disorder Symptoms: Associations With Body Image

Although the empirical evidence supporting the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorders is growing, it is not yet known how often these 2 conditions co-occur, and whether the comorbidities of sexual disorders and eating disorders differ in any specific ways. To examine the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorders. In the current study, we used latent profile analysis to identify distinct profiles of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms among a large non-clinical sample of women (n = 985). We also examined how these profiles differed in terms of body image self-consciousness. The study was conducted as an online survey among a convenience sample of Israeli women. For sexual disorders we used the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, and for eating disorders we used the Eating Disorders Inventory 2. Latent profile analysis revealed 4 profiles: no disorder (low levels of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms), eating disorder symptoms (low levels of sexual disorders and high levels of eating disorder symptoms), sexual disorders (high levels of sexual disorders and low levels of eating disorder symptoms), and comorbidity (high levels of both sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms). Women in the comorbidity group had significantly more body image self-consciousness during sexual activity than did women in the other groups. The 4 profiles identified in the study support the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms, yet also raise many clinical considerations. Limitations of the study, directions for future research, and clinical implications are discussed.

Attachment and Sexual Functioning: Understanding the Mediating Role of Body Image Among LGB and Non-LGB Women

IntroductionDespite studies showing that individuals with insecure attachment suffer from poor body image, and that poor body image is a main risk factor for sexual dysfunction, the mediating role of body image between attachment insecurities and sexual functioning has not been assessed. Moreover, differences in body self-consciousness among sexual minority women have not been examined, even though LGB individuals have been found to be more conscious of stigma and the disapproval of others. AimTo fill this gap, the current study examines the mediating role of body image self-consciousness between insecure attachment and sexual functioning among LGB and non-LGB women. MethodsThe study sample consisted of 1,001 women; of them, 808 defined themselves as heterosexual (80.7%), and 193 (19.3%) identified as LGB. The sample was a convenience sample of women who responded to ads on social media. Participants completed an online questionnaire (via Qualtrics) about their attachment orientation, body-image self-consciousness, and sexual functioning. Main OutcomeBody image self-consciousness mediated the relationship between insecure attachment and sexual dysfunction among women in general and LGB women in particular. ResultsResults indicated that among LGB women, the relationship between attachment and sexual functioning was fully mediated by body image self-consciousness. For non-LGB women, a full model with statistically significant direct and indirect effects was revealed. Both avoidant attachment and anxious attachment were related to body image self-consciousness which was, in turn, related to sexual functioning. A statistically significant direct path from avoidant attachment to sexual functioning was also revealed. ConclusionThe study findings contribute to the literature by revealing the mediating role that body image self-consciousness plays between insecure attachment and sexual dysfunction among women in general and LGB women in particular. Clinical ImplicationsThis study provides support for the negative relationship between body image self-consciousness and sexual functioning of women regardless of sexual orientation, and suggests that women affected by body image concerns might be prone to more sexual dysfunction. Therefore, body image self-consciousness should be brought up in sex therapy sessions and future interventions. Clinicians should also be cognizant of differences between LGB and non-LGB women in terms of this effect, taking into account the history of stigma that LGB women may have endured and how this history affects their body image.Gewirtz-Meydan A, Mitchell KJ, Spivak-Lavi Z. Attachment and Sexual Functioning: Understanding the Mediating Role of Body Image Among LGB and Non-LGB Women. J Sex Med 2021;18:1245–1257.

Attachment insecurities and body image self-consciousness among women: The mediating role of pornography use

The present study examined the mediating role of pornography use between attachment insecurities and body image self-consciousness in a large sample of women. We hypothesized that pornography use would mediate the relationship between insecure attachment orientations and body image self-consciousness. We recruited a convenient sample of 1001 Israeli women who completed measures assessing attachment orientation, body self-consciousness, and pornography use frequency. We employed structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation method to examine the direct pathways between attachment and body image self-consciousness, as well as the indirect, or mediational, pathways through pornography use. Results found a direct effect of anxious and avoidant attachment on body image self-consciousness in women regardless of their relationship status. However, we only found a mediating role of pornography use between anxious attachment and body-image self-consciousness in women currently in a romantic relationship. In conclusion, our results suggest women may be more susceptible to the influence of pornography use on their body image self-consciousness when they are anxiously attached to a romantic partner. Implications for clinical practice and future directions are discussed.

Effect of Sexual Esteem and Sexual Communication on the Relationship Between Body Image and Sexual Function in Chinese Heterosexual Women

BackgroundSexual self-esteem and communication on sexual issues with a partner contribute greatly to an individual's quality of sex life; however, their effects on the relationship between body image and sexual function are underexplored. AimTo test a serial mediating pathway of sexual self-esteem and sexual communication underlying the relationship between body image and sexual function. MethodsA total of 510 women aged 18–53 years (mean = 28, SD = 5.5) who were involved in an intimate relationship completed an online survey. OutcomesWomen's (i) body appreciation, (ii) body image self-consciousness during sexual intimacy, (iii) sexual self-esteem, (iv) dyadic sexual communication, (v) negative disclosure apprehension, and (vi) sexual function were assessed. ResultsFindings revealed that sexual self-esteem and dyadic sexual communication played a serial mediating role in the relationship between body image (body appreciation and body image self-consciousness during sexual intimacy) and sexual function, and the relationship between body image and arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Sexual self-esteem and negative disclosure apprehension also played a serial mediating role in the relationship between body image and sexual pain. In addition, dyadic sexual communication played a unique mediating role in the relationship between body image and sexual function, which is isolated from the effect of sexual self-esteem. Clinical ImplicationsWomen's sexual self-esteem and sexual communication with their partner can make beneficial contributions to the relationship between body image and sexual function. Therefore, promoting women's positive body image, sexual self-esteem, and sexual communication skills deserves attention from women themselves and clinicians. Strengths & LimitationsThis study used a robust method of data analysis to test the mediating effect of sexual self-esteem and sexual communication to clarify the mechanism underlying the relationship between body image and sexual function among Chinese women; however, causal conclusions cannot be drawn. Furthermore, various demographics including participants' age, education level, sexual orientation—factors such as relationship status and length, relationship functioning, and partner-related variables—and other aspects of sexual self-concept and sexual communication should be examined in future research. ConclusionThe current study indicates that women's thoughts and feelings regarding sexuality and communicating sexual issues with their partner are associated closely with their body image and sexual function.T Wu, Y Zheng. Effect of Sexual Esteem and Sexual Communication on the Relationship Between Body Image and Sexual Function in Chinese Heterosexual Women. J Sex Med 2021;XX:XXX–XXX.

Initial Psychometric Evaluation of a Brief Sexual Functioning Screening Tool for Transmasculine Adults: Transmasculine Sexual Functioning Index.

IntroductionEvaluation of sexual functioning in transmasculine (TM) adults—those who identify as men, male, transmen, or non-binary yet were assigned a female sex at birth—is limited by lack of availability of brief screening measures.AimStudy aims were to (i) conduct initial psychometric evaluation of a brief screening tool to assess sexual functioning in TM adults for easy use in outpatient visits, epidemiologic studies, and assessment of treatment and surgical outcomes and (ii) assess the correlates of sexual functioning.MethodsThe 6-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index was adapted and piloted for use with TM adults. The resulting scale, the Transmasculine Sexual Functioning Index (TM-SFI), was administered to 150 TM adults via computer-assisted self-interview. A multivariable model was fit to assess demographic, psychosocial, and gender affirmation correlates of sexual functioning.Main Outcome MeasureThe main outcomes of this study were the calculated reliability and validity of the TM-SFI and fit cumulative logit models to estimate associations of medical gender affirmation (chest surgery) and body image self-consciousness with level of sexual functioning.ResultsInternal consistency reliability was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80). Item correlations ranged from 0.21 to 0.80 (P < .05). All scale items loaded onto a single factor (eigenvalue = 11.13; factor loadings > 0.50), evidence of good construct validity. After controlling for potential confounders, participants who had chest surgery exhibited significantly higher odds of being in the highest sexual functioning tertile relative to those without chest surgery (adjusted odds ratio = 2.46; 95% confidence interval = 1.08–5.64; P = .033). Moderate-to-high body image self-consciousness was associated with lower odds of sexual functioning (adjusted odds ratio = 0.42; 95% confidence interval = 0.18–0.94; P = .035).ConclusionInitial evaluation of the TM-SFI warrants formal psychometric validation against clinical diagnoses of sexual functioning concerns in TM patients. The brief screener can be used to assess sexual functioning in TM adults and may identify TM who could benefit from clinical interventions to improve sexual functioning.Reisner SL, Pletta DR, Potter J, et-al. Initial Psychometric Evaluation of a Brief Sexual Functioning Screening Tool for Transmasculine Adults: Transmasculine Sexual Functioning Index. J Sex Med 2020;8:350–360.

Sexual function in hook-up culture: The role of body image

Hook-up mobile apps are increasing in popularity and research suggests sexual function may be lower among those who hook-up compared to those who have sex in a longer-term relationship. Sexual function is an important predictor of well-being; however, we know little about the psychosocial antecedents of sexual function, such as body image, among those who use hook-up apps. The current study aims to examine two measures of positive body image and one measure of body image self-consciousness during intimate activity among a sample of adult women and men who have hooked up in the previous month using a hook-up mobile app (N = 243). Our results suggest that higher body image self-consciousness during intimate activity was related to lower sexual function composite score and several specific domains (i.e., pain, arousal, orgasm, and lubrication) among women. Higher body appreciation was related to higher sexual satisfaction among women. Higher body image self-consciousness during intimate activity was related to higher erection difficulty, but not ejaculation difficulty, among men. These findings highlight the nuanced nature of body image and sexual function and provide further evidence that interventions for women and men aiming to improve some body image constructs may improve sexual function as well.

Body image self-consciousness and sexting among heterosexual and non-exclusively heterosexual individuals

This study sought to explore whether body image self-consciousness during sexual relations predicts whether and for what reasons individuals send sexts. A series of ordinal and binary logistic regression analyses revealed that increased body image self-consciousness during sexual relations predicted consensual but unwanted instances of sexting for men and women, a lower frequency of sending sexts among heterosexual individuals, and a lesser likelihood of sending sexts in order to flirt. Body image self-consciousness, however, was not predictive of sending sexts in general or sending sexts in order to ‘feel sexy’. This research provides support for the negative relationship between body image self-consciousness and sexual agency across gender, and suggests that individuals affected by body image anxieties might be prone to technology-mediated abuse. Study limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Adaptation of the Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale (BISC-PL) in Polish females.

This paper presents the Polish version of the Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale (BISC-PL) originally developed by M.W. Wiederman. Psychometric properties of the BISC-PLwere examined in a sample of 169 young women aged 18-35 (M = 22.24; SD = 3.61) who self-identified as heterosexual. Measures of sexual self-esteem, heterosexual experience, body satisfaction, self-monitoring and other variables were administered along with the BISC-PL for validity testing. Confirmatory factor analysis (with the use of WLSMV) proved the one-factor structure of the BISC-PL. Goodness of fit indices were: CFI =0.91; TLI =0.90; RMSEA=0.06; SRMR = 0.05. In most cases the tool confirmed its construct and discriminant validity with regard to the aforementioned variables. BISC-PLscores were predictive of sexual self-esteem and self-evaluation of oneself as a sexual partner, beyond effects due to body satisfaction and self-evaluated body attractiveness. The instrument was found to be a reliable (. = 0.96) and valid measure of body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy with a partner in studied women. Polish version of the BISC can be considered comparable to the original measure. The BISC-PLmay be recommended as a useful tool to complement Polish research and practise. Results are discussed with regard to limitations of the current research and implications for future studies.

Body Image and Sexual Behavior Among Adult Men Who “Hook Up”

ABSTRACT Understanding the psychosocial variables associated with sexual behavior is critical, particularly among high-risk individuals such as those who hook-up. It is possible body image is one of these variables. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between body appreciation and body image self-consciousness and three sexual health-related behaviors: 1) condom usage, 2) HIV screening, and 3) STI screening among a sample of adult men who have hooked up at least once in the past month (n = 243). We found that higher levels of body appreciation were related to being less likely to use condoms and higher levels of body image self-consciousness were related to being less likely to be screened for HIV and STIs. The conflicting results suggest additional research is warranted.

Male Body Image Self-Consciousness During Physical Intimacy (M-BISC): Validating the M-BISC With Gay Men

IntroductionAn expanding area of research within the realm of body image is its role in human sexual functioning, which denotes people’s overall satisfaction with their performance during a specific sexual encounter. Traditionally, studies investigating the association between body image and sexual functioning have focused on women. The Male Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale (M-BISC) was developed to exclusively assess male body image self-consciousness during sexual activity using a sample consisting primarily of heterosexual men. AimThe purpose of the current study is to evaluate the dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the M-BISC with a sample of gay men. Research suggests that sexual difficulties and body image concerns can overlap and interrelate. Therefore, 2 subscales (erectile difficulties and body embarrassment) from the Gay Male Sexual Difficulties Scale (GMSDS) were used to assess the validity of the scale. Methods1,930 men self-identifying as “exclusively gay” completed an online survey consisting of demographics, the M-BISC, and the GMSDS (erectile difficulties and body embarrassment subscales). Main Outcome MeasureThe replicability of the M-BISC factor structure with a gay male sample was determined using an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Additionally, the GMSDS (erectile difficulties and body embarrassment subscales) was used to determine the validity of the M-BISC. ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that, following the removal of 3 items, the M-BISC was unidimensional. Scale score reliability for the 14-item M-BISC was good. Finally, as predicted, scores on the M-BISC correlated with scores on the GMSDS (ie, greater sexual difficulties). Clinical ImplicationsThe results indicate that assessment scales developed using samples consisting primarily of heterosexual men may not be appropriate for use with gay men in their original form. Thus, limiting the accuracy of the measurement and increasing the risk of misdiagnoses. Strength & LimitationsStrengths of this study include a large sample of exclusively gay men and the utilization of best-practice statistical analysis for assessing factor structure, validity, and reliability of measures. Limitations include the assumption that the M-BISC should be used in lieu of a novel scale developed exclusively for gay men. Further, the study utilizes an Internet sample consisting primarily of Caucasian gay men. ConclusionResults of the current study illustrate that the M-BISC is a valid tool to measure gay men’s body concerns during intimacy. More importantly, it also highlights gay men’s elevated body concerns during intimacy and the need to understand the etiology of these apprehensions. Currently, there is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding the cause of gay male body concerns that have potential clinic implications.Kiss MJ, Morrison TG, McDonagh LK. Male Body Image Self-Consciousness During Physical Intimacy (M-BISC): Validating the M-BISC With Gay Men. J Sex Med 2018;16:307–315.

Factors affecting Body Image Change and Sexuality at Mastectomy Females

Abstract: Mastectomy is the primary treatment of breast cancer in women. Scarce information is currently available on the factors affecting body image and sexuality at mastectomy females' reproductive age. Objective: to explore the factors affecting body image and sexuality at mastectomy females' reproductive age. Design: a descriptive design was used. Setting: Tanta university hospitals department of oncology (in and out-patient clinics). Subjects: a convenient sample of 78 women who had mastectomy. Tool: data was collected using the body image of mastectomy women scale. It consisted of 2 parts: 1: socioeconomic characteristics (age in years, marital status, residence, levels of education, occupation, monthly, income and religion), and clinical information (follow up schedule after surgery, type of surgery, and who decided the type of surgery), 2: The body image of mastectomy women scale (BIMWS) consists of 4 parts: women's emotion, women's body image change, women's self-consciousness, and women’s sexuality. Results: Socioeconomic factors (age in years, marital status, and monthly income) significantly affected the studied women's body image self-consciousness (p=0.028, p=0.003, & p=0.004 respectively). Residence significantly affected the studied women's sexuality (p=0,001). The type of surgery significantly affecting the studied women's emotion, body image change, and sexuality (p=0.001, p=0.001, & p=0.026 respectively). Conclusion: emotions, body image change, self consciousness and women's' sexuality after mastectomy significantly affected by the socioeconomic factors age, marital status, monthly income, residence and the type of surgery. Recommendations: Nurses should have a clear understanding of younger mastectomy females needs and develop care plans based on their socioeconomic and clinical conditions. Key words: Body image, Sexuality, Mastectomy, Reproductive age

Sex after amputation: the relationships between sexual functioning, body image, mood and anxiety in persons with a lower limb amputation

Aim: The study examined the relationships between psychological variables and sexual functioning in persons with lower limb amputations.Method: Sixty-five participants (n = 49 males, n = 16 females) with lower limb amputations completed a battery of self-report questionnaires regarding their current psychological well-being and their current sexual activity. Measures included the anxiety items on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition, Body Image Quality of Life Inventory, Body Exposure Self-Consciousness during Intimate Situations and the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction.Results: Half of all participants with lower limb amputations were not currently sexually active. Approximately 60% of those who were sexually active scored within the clinical range for overall sexual dysfunction. Overall levels of sexual dysfunction were associated with significantly higher levels of anxiety (r = 0.40, p < 0.005), depression (r = 0.41, p < 0.015) and body exposure self-consciousness during sexual activities (r = 0.56, p < 0.005). Body image self-consciousness during sexual activities was the strongest predictor of sexual dysfunction.Conclusions: Psychological challenges following limb loss are strongly associated with levels of sexual dysfunction. The study highlights the need for psychological and psychosexual assessment and intervention following limb loss to enhance sexual functioning and overall quality of life.Implications for RehabilitationOnly half of the participants with a lower limb amputation were sexually active. Over 60% of those who were sexually active reported clinical levels of sexual dysfunction. One third of the entire sample scored within the clinical range for depression and for anxiety.Depression, anxiety and body image issues were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction in the current sample of individuals with lower limb amputation.There is a need for psychosexual assessment following limb loss to ensure that appropriate and timely interventions are made available. Interventions that target the psychological factors related to sexual dysfunction are likely to improve overall quality of life for these individuals

Sexuality and quality of life in women with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with a history of breast cancer following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). A secondary objective was to examine the effect of a prior diagnosis of breast cancer, and other factors, on sexuality and quality of life (QoL) outcomes. Study designCross-sectional study of 119 women who underwent RRSO between 2009 and 2014. Main outcome measuresData were collected via a questionnaire comprising demographic information and validated measures of sexual function, sexual distress, relationship satisfaction, body image, psychological stress, menopause symptoms and general quality of life. ResultsSixty out of 119 participants who underwent RRSO had a history of breast cancer. Eighty percent of women with breast cancer had female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and 82% had hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) after RRSO. Bilateral mastectomy was associated with higher rates of HSDD (p = 0.028) and higher body image self-consciousness (BISC) during sexual activity (p = 0.011). Breast reconstruction was associated with higher relationship satisfaction (RAS) scores (p = 0.004). Compared to Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors (AI) were significantly associated with reduced lubrication (p = 0.041), arousal (p = 0.004), orgasm (p = 0.002) and greater dyspareunia (p = 0.027). Prior diagnosis of breast cancer was not associated with the prevalence of FSD (p = 0.532). ConclusionsHigh rates of FSD and HSDD occur in women with breast cancer following RRSO. Low relationship satisfaction, bodily pain, bilateral mastectomy and the use of aromatase inhibitors were associated with poorer sexual function. Women had similar sexual outcomes and QoL after RRSO, regardless of breast cancer history.