Does Body Image Play a Role in Risky Sexual Behavior and Attitudes?

• Published in: Journal of youth and adolescence Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 230 - 242
• Main Authors: Gillen, Meghan M, Lefkowitz, Eva S, Shearer, Cindy L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer 01.04.2006; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adolescent Development; Adolescents; Adults; Attitudes; Body image; Child development; College students; Condoms; Gender; Gender Differences; Health Behavior; Human Body; Intervention; Measurement Techniques; Risk; Risk behaviour; Self Concept; Self Evaluation (Individuals); Self image; Sexual attitudes; Sexual behavior; Sexual behaviour; Sexuality; Student Attitudes; Surveys; Teenagers; Undergraduate Students; Women; Young adults
• ISSN: 0047-2891; 1573-6601
• DOI: 10.1007/s10964-005-9005-6

Body image and sexuality, both physically-oriented domains of the self, are likely linked, but few studies have examined their associations. In the present investigation, we studied emerging adult undergraduates (ages 17-19), focusing specifically on risky sexual behaviors and attitudes. Participants (N=434) completed a survey on body image, lifetime sexual behavior, sexual double standard attitudes, and attitudes about condoms. Males who evaluated their appearance more positively and who were more oriented toward their appearance were more likely to report risky sexual behavior, yet females who evaluated their appearance more positively were less likely to report risky sexual behavior. For most sexual attitudes, patterns did not differ by gender. Individuals who were more oriented toward their appearance believed more in the sexual double standard, and those who had more positive evaluations of their appearance perceived fewer barriers to using condoms. Intervention implications are discussed.