Body Image and Sexual Dissatisfaction: Differences Among Heterosexual, Bisexual, and Lesbian Women

2019/05/09 by Silvia Moreno‐Domínguez, Tania Raposo, Paz Elipe · 1 citation
Psychology · #Eating Disorders and Behaviors #Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies #Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior #Lesbian #Psychology #Sexual orientation #Sexual minority #Heterosexuality #Sexual attraction #Human sexuality #Social psychology #Homosexuality #Developmental psychology #Clinical psychology #Sexual behavior #Gender studies

paper · pdf · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00903

openalex publication_date 2019/05/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23

Abstract

Gender-based differences in body image dissatisfaction are not conclusive. Women's body experiences and their impact on sexual satisfaction may advance knowledge on how heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian women internalize heterosexist values. In this study, we quantitatively examined the degree of body image and sexual dissatisfaction experienced by heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian women, to determine whether body dissatisfaction can predict sexual dissatisfaction. Three hundred and fifty-four women completed an online survey measuring body and sexual dissatisfaction. No sexual orientation-based differences were observed in body or sexual dissatisfaction; however, body concerns were found to have less influence on sexual dissatisfaction in lesbian women compared to heterosexual and bisexual women. Standards of beauty remain constant among all women, yet removing themselves from the male gaze may be interpreted as a protective factor which shields women from expressing concern about their appearance during sexual activity.

Citations

• A test and extension of objectification theory as it predicts disordered eating: Does women's age matter?
• A Psychometric Comparison of Three Scales and a Single-Item Measure to Assess Sexual Satisfaction
• Tests of Objectification Theory in Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual Community Samples: Mixed Evidence for Proposed Pathways
• Roles of Sexual Objectification Experiences and Internalization of Standards of Beauty in Eating Disorder Symptomatology: A Test and Extension of Objectification Theory.
• Objectification Theory: Toward Understanding Women's Lived Experiences and Mental Health Risks

Cited by

• Body image [wikipedia]

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