Investigating the Relationship Between Sexual Function, Body Image, and Stress Levels in Women
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: Although it is known that a negative body image and stress negatively affect sexual function in women, research in this area is limited. This study aims to investigate the relationship between sexual function, body image, and stress level in women. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study, in which assessments were conducted via an online form, included women (n = 65) aged 18–45 years with an active sexual life. Sexual function level was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), body image using the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), and stress level using the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14). Relationships between variables were examined using Spearman correlation analysis. Results: It was determined that 43.10% of the women in the study had symptoms consistent with sexual dysfunction. Positive correlations were found between the total score of the FSFI (r = 0.461, p < 0.001), the sub-dimension scores of sexual desire (r = 0.302, p = 0.014), sexual arousal (r = 0.452, p < 0.001), lubrication (r = 0.510, p < 0.001), orgasm (r = 0.273, p = 0.027), satisfaction (r = 0.438, p < 0.001), and pain-discomfort (r = 0.322, p = 0.009) and the total score of the BCS. No significant correlation was found between the total score of the PSS-14 and its sub-dimension scores and the total score of the FSFI (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While higher body image scores were associated with better sexual function scores, stress levels were not associated with sexual function. In female sexual dysfunction, evaluating women’s body image and guiding them towards practices that will improve body image can be considered. In addition, future research requires larger samples to thoroughly investigate stress.
Institutions: Mustafa Kemal University, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204725941