Although links between body image and sexuality are supported by the research literature, this area has received inadequate attention in sexuality curricula. Body image may play an important role in students’ sexual risk taking. This presentation will focus on the results of a research study examining affective, cognitive and perceptual body satisfaction’s influence on sexuality. Over 900 students were surveyed regarding their body satisfaction and sexual behaviors. Statistical analysis found that the higher the level of cognitive body satisfaction students possessed, the more likely they were to engage in protective sexual health behaviors. However, no relationship existed between affective and perceptual body image and the number of sexual partners, level of sexual communication, or condom use in the last 12 months. Although this study was conducted with college students, body image education must begin prior to adolescence. This period poses salient physical, social and psychological challenges to body image development. Providing body image education during this critical period may be beneficial in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy in the future. When developing sexuality education programming, the role of cognitive body satisfaction needs to be considered. Traditional body image education tends to focus on adjusting perceived and actual body shape and size, as well as controlling influences on body image. While these are important issues, sexuality education needs to focus on enhancing positive cognitions. This program will provide professionals with useful, age-appropriate techniques for implementing comprehensive body image education into sexuality curricula.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to: 1. Describe recent research regarding the relationship between body image and protective sexual health practices. 2. Explain procedures for integration of body image education into a sexuality curriculum. 3. Implement creative, innovative learning activities for cognitive body image enhancement in a sexuality curriculum
Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, School Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.