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Women's disordered eating and sexual function: the role of interoception
Kendall Poovey1, David de Jong2, Diana Rancourt1
1Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, PCD 4118G Tampa, FL 33620, United States.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|April 10, 2023
Summary
Interoceptive dysfunction, or altered body cue processing, is linked to disordered eating and sexual difficulties in women. Improving body trust and interoception may enhance sexual function and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Women's Health
Background:
- Disordered eating and sexual difficulties frequently co-occur in women.
- Investigating interoceptive dysfunction as a potential common underlying factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if interoceptive dysfunction contributes to disordered eating and sexual difficulties.
- To assess the role of interoception and body trust beyond BMI and body image concerns.
Main Methods:
- 1201 women completed online surveys assessing interoception, disordered eating, and sexual function.
- Statistical analyses included regression, commonality, and dominance analyses.
Main Results:
- General interoception and body trust predicted dietary restraint and sexual function.
- Body trust uniquely explained significant variance in sexual function, independent of dietary restraint.
- Body image concerns also predicted sexual function.
Conclusions:
- Interoception and body image concerns are significant contributors to the co-occurrence of disordered eating and sexual difficulties.
- Interoceptive awareness and body trust are crucial for women's sexual function and well-being.
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