The relationship between body dissatisfaction and sexual dysfunction: The mediating role of depression.

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction, which can be referred to as decreased desire, insufficient sexual arousal, delayed or absent orgasm, or a combination of the above, is a common problem in men and women. Since sexual dysfunction can affect interpersonal relationships and lower quality of life, identifying determining factors and mechanisms that impact sexual dysfunction is important. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and sexual dysfunction, and the mediating role of depression in this relationship. Additionally, the moderating role of gender was taken into account. In total, 91 participants completed an online questionnaire assessing body dissatisfaction, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Data were analyzed by means of regression and bootstrap analyses. The results revealed that higher levels of body dissatisfaction were associated with greater sexual dysfunction. However, for both men and women, depression did not mediate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and sexual dysfunction. These findings suggest that including body image interventions into the treatment of sexual dysfunctions would be valuable. Future research is needed to clarify the role of depression in the context of body image and sexual dysfunction.