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The Relationship Between Body Image and Sexual Functioning Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Julia Levitan1, Chris Quinn-Nilas2, Robin Milhausen2
1Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal , Quebec , Canada.
Journal of Homosexuality
|September 29, 2018
Summary
Body image concerns impact sexual functioning in gay and bisexual men. Specific issues like drive for muscularity and negative body image were linked to erectile difficulties and premature ejaculation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexual Health
- Men's Health
Background:
- Gay and bisexual men often experience higher body dissatisfaction than heterosexual men.
- Previous research has not explored the link between body image and sexual functioning in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate body image domains as predictors of sexual functioning problems in gay and bisexual men.
- To examine the relationship between body image and inhibited desire, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 185 gay and bisexual men aged 18-40.
- Participants reported on body image satisfaction, drive for muscularity, affective body esteem, and sexual functioning issues.
- Regression models were used to analyze the predictive relationships.
Main Results:
- Body image variables did not predict sexual desire.
- Increased drive for muscularity and lower affective body esteem predicted erectile difficulties.
- Negative behavioral body image and evaluative body dissatisfaction were associated with premature ejaculation.
Conclusions:
- Specific body image domains are associated with distinct sexual functioning problems in gay and bisexual men.
- Findings highlight the importance of addressing body image for the sexual health and well-being of this community.
- Further research is needed to fully understand these complex relationships.
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