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The connection between young women's body esteem and sexual assertiveness
Beth A Auslander1, Jaqwiana Baker1, Mary B Short2
1Division of Adolescent and Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|January 21, 2012
Summary
Young women
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexual Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Healthy sexuality encompasses positive body image and fulfilling romantic relationships.
- Body dissatisfaction may negatively impact women's sexual autonomy and assertiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between body esteem and sexual assertiveness in young women.
- To determine if body esteem influences a woman's ability to assert her sexual rights, specifically regarding condom use.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 127 young women from local colleges.
- Data collected included demographics, self-reported height and weight, sexual history, body esteem, and sexual assertiveness.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between body esteem and sexual assertiveness concerning condom use.
- Women reporting lower body esteem were less likely to insist on condom use by their partners.
- Body esteem did not significantly predict the initiation of sex or refusal of unwanted sex.
Conclusions:
- Body esteem is linked to sexual assertiveness in behaviors related to sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention.
- Findings suggest potential for integrating body image interventions into sexual health and STI prevention programs.
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