An assessment of body appreciation and its relationship to sexual function in women

BACKGROUND Body image and size have been extensively researched for their relations to sexual health outcomes in women. Most research has focused on the negative feelings women have about their bodies regardless of body size, but has not assessed positive attitudes towards one's body and their relationship to sexuality and sexual function.

METHODS Cross-sectional data was collected online from 494 women across the US, ages 18 to 73. Measures included sociodemographics, Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure of Body Appreciation, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

RESULTS Participants were predominantly White (63.5%, n = 323), partnered (75.3%, n = n = 372), and heterosexual (55.0%, n = 280). Participants' BMIs ranged from 16.64 to 71.73, with a mean of 29.78 (SD = 9.69) Mean Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) score was 3.62 out of 5.00 (SD = .704). Female Sexual Function Index scores ranged from 9.50 to 33.50, out of 36.00. There were no significant differences in mean FSFI scores and subscale scores across BMI classifications (p <.05). Linear regression revealed no significant relationship between FSFI total and subscale scores and participant BMI. BAS score alone significantly predicted FSFI score (F1, 245 = 22.528, p < .001).

CONCLUSION Body appreciation scores were overall better predictors of FSFI scores in this sample than actual body size. BMI did not intervene in the relationship between body appreciation and sexual function. Therefore, rather than focus on encouraging BMI reduction, practitioners should focus on body appreciation as a means of promoting healthier sexual function.