Body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptomatology: Which factors interfere with sexuality in women with eating disorders?

J Health Psychol. 2019 Sep;24(11):1526-1535. doi: 10.1177/1359105317695425. Epub 2017 Mar 1.

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction is a relevant aspect in both eating disorders and sexuality. Using Stice's model, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between these variables in eating disorder patients compared with healthy controls. Statistically significant correlations between body dissatisfaction and sexuality were found in the whole sample. The clinical group had higher rates of body dissatisfaction and sexual impairment. Within the clinical group, the participants with a greater drive for thinness showed higher sexual dysfunctions. These results suggest that sexuality should be systematically explored in eating disorders. Higher rates of drive for thinness may be associated with greater sexual impairment.

Keywords: body image; eating disorders; sexual dysfunctions; sexual satisfaction; women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Dissatisfaction*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / physiopathology*