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The role of body image in sexually avoidant behavior
1Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11550.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Spectatoring, or cognitive self-monitoring during sex, is influenced by body image and sexual attitudes. These factors significantly predict sexual approach and avoidance behaviors in university students.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Spectatoring involves cognitive self-focus on body parts or sexual performance.
- Understanding factors influencing spectatoring is crucial for sexual health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between spectatoring, body image, sexual knowledge, psychological adjustment, and sexual behaviors in a university population.
- To determine predictors of sexually avoidant behavior related to spectatoring.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 108 male and 140 female undergraduate and graduate students.
- Questionnaires assessed body image, sexual knowledge, sexual attitudes, psychological adjustment, and sexual behavior frequency.
- Multiple regression analyses were employed to identify significant predictors.
Main Results:
- Body image scores significantly predicted sexual behavior frequency for both genders.
- General sexual knowledge and psychological adjustment did not predict sexual behavior.
- Global sexual attitudes emerged as the strongest predictors of sexual approach/avoidance behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Body image and broader sexual attitudes are key factors in understanding spectatoring and its impact on sexual behavior.
- Future research should focus on assessing global sex attitudes to further elucidate the mechanisms of spectatoring.