Body Image-Related Anxiety During Physical Intimacy in Adult Women

Physical intimacy and sexuality is central to quality of life for both men and women. Physical sexual dysfunction is only one of many problems that women may face concerning physical intimacy. Poor body image is one area that can lessen enjoyment or inhibit physical intimacy. This study used the Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ) developed by Thomas Cash to study body image-related anxiety during physical intimacy in 90 adult women (age 40-86). The BESAQ scores were then compared to age, race, BMI, relationship status, personal perception of weight, level of education and the existence of a disease or health condition that makes the participant feel uncomfortable about her body. Age was the only demographic that showed a statistically significant relationship with BESAQ scores (p<0.001) with an inverse relationship between anxiety levels and age. Though not statistically significant, the relationship between the other factors and physical intimacy are discussed along with future research paths based upon the above findings.

Learning Objectives: The attendee will be able to discuss the importance of researching the psychosocial impact on physical intimacy in women throughout the aging process. The attendee will be able to identify which factors were shown to have a correlation with higher levels of body-image related anxiety during physical intimacy. The attendee will be able to cite three areas of future research in physical intimacy as it relates to adult women and the aging process.