Positive body perception and its link to sexual satisfaction in aging women - findings from the Women 40+ Healthy Aging Study

Bibliographic Data

ID20392857
AuthorsLaura Mernone (Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland), Serena Fiacco (0000-0003-3595-9281, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland), Ulrike Ehlert (0000-0002-1982-8321, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume35
Issue2
Pages152-167
Publication date2023-03-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Women & Aging (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0895-2841 • E-ISSN: 1540-7322
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/08952841.2021.2002647
PMID34882510
OpenAlexW4200166440
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited83

Research on the relation between physical appearance and sexual satisfaction in aging women is scarce. This study uniquely links attractiveness, body perception, and sexual satisfaction in 124 healthy aging women. Two-thirds reported being highly sexually satisfied. BMI and fat mass correlated significantly with sexual satisfaction. Weight and shape concerns moderated this relationship, affecting sexual satisfaction beyond the effect of body size and composition. Given the "unattractive stereotype" of older women related to the enduring social beauty ideal of a youthful and thin body, positive body perceptions in light of age-associated bodily changes should be promoted

Healthy aging · Perception · Clinical Psychology · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Medicine · Psychology · Sexual function and dysfunction studies · Gerontology

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