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Published on: June 3, 2022
Happiness with Circumcision Status, Not Status Itself, Predicts Genital Self-Image in a Geographically Diverse Sample
Sophia Selino1, Ross Krawczyk2
1Department of Psychology, The College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY, 12203, USA. sophiaselino@gmail.com.
Research shows that happiness with penile circumcision status, not the status itself, impacts genital self-image. Uncircumcised individuals reported greater happiness, but psychosexual outcomes depend more on attitudes than circumcision status.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Urology
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on penile circumcision's impact on body image.
- Attitudinal factors toward circumcision status are understudied.
- Penile circumcision's psychosexual effects require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between circumcision status, happiness with status, genital self-image, and sexual functioning.
- To examine regional variations in happiness with circumcision status.
Main Methods:
- Online survey of 205 participants (102 circumcised, 103 not circumcised).
- Data collected on circumcision status, happiness with status, genital self-image, sexual body image, and sexual functioning.
- Participants recruited globally, reporting birth regions.
Main Results:
- Non-circumcised participants reported significantly greater happiness with their circumcision status.
- Genital self-image, sexual body image, and sexual functioning did not differ by circumcision status.
- Greater happiness with circumcision status correlated with better genital self-image and less body exposure avoidance during sex.
Conclusions:
- Attitudinal factors toward circumcision status are more influential on psychosexual outcomes than circumcision status itself.
- Circumcised individuals reported less happiness with their status, irrespective of region.
- Findings suggest psychosexual impact of circumcision is linked to personal attitudes rather than the procedure alone.
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