The Relationship Between College Women's Sexual Attitudes and Sexual Activity: The Mediating Role of Body Image

This study examined the relationship between sexual attitudes and engagement in sexual activity among a sample of 401 college women. In addition, we investigated the potential role of body image as a mediator of this relationship. Online surveys included self-report measures of sexual attitudes rang...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sexual health 2013-04, Vol.25 (2), p.104-114
Main Authors: Lemer, Jessica L., Blodgett Salafia, Elizabeth H., Benson, Kristen E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body image
College students
college women
Self image
sexual attitudes and behavior
Sexual behavior
sexuality
Surveys
Women
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Summary:This study examined the relationship between sexual attitudes and engagement in sexual activity among a sample of 401 college women. In addition, we investigated the potential role of body image as a mediator of this relationship. Online surveys included self-report measures of sexual attitudes ranging from liberal to conservative, body image satisfaction, and frequency of sexual activity. Results indicated that more liberal sexual attitudes were directly linked with more frequent sexual activity. Whereas mediation was not evident, indirect effects existed such that more liberal sexual attitudes were associated with higher body image satisfaction, which, in turn, was associated with increased sexual activity. Clearly, sexual attitudes and body image are important cognitive factors that affect women's sexual activity, yet each influence alone is not enough to explain the complex process that leads to sexual behavior. Although cross-sectional in nature, our findings suggest that body image and sexual attitudes may work together as a process to affect women's sexual activity.
ISSN:1931-7611
1931-762X
DOI:10.1080/19317611.2012.722593