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Campbell JT, Bennett-Brown M, Kaufman EM, Gesselman AN, Frederick DA, Garcia JR, Mark KP. Women Who Experience More Affectionate Touch Report Better Body Satisfaction and Relationship Outcomes. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38363343 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2310705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Affectionate touch (e.g. hugging, handholding) is an essential component of many intimate relationships and is a primary contributor to overall relationship satisfaction as well as sexual satisfaction. Affectionate touch is understood to be a form of non-verbal communication in which the giver is expressing positive feelings toward the receiver. Here, we propose that affectionate touch also positively impacts receivers' body satisfaction, because affectionate touch is a positive message communicated toward the receiver's body. In a cross-sectional sample of romantically partnered women (N = 1,156), we assessed the association between affectionate touch frequency and body satisfaction. We also investigated whether affectionate touch is associated with relationship/sexual satisfaction in part because touch helps to improve women's evaluations of their own bodies. Our results showed that body satisfaction was a significant, partial mediator and a valid path through which affectionate touch shapes relationship quality. Receiving affectionate touch could bolster relationship satisfaction and self-perceptions among women. Given the prevalence of body dissatisfaction amongst women, these results suggest that the underexplored associations between affectionate touch and body satisfaction may have significant impacts on a wide array of future empirical and applied research trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret Bennett-Brown
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University
- Department of Communication Studies, Texas Tech University
| | - Ellen M Kaufman
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University
| | | | | | - Justin R Garcia
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University
- Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University
| | - Kristen P Mark
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota
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Muzi L, Nardelli N, Naticchioni G, Mazzeschi C, Baiocco R, Lingiardi V. Body Uneasiness and Dissatisfaction Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Persons. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37363347 PMCID: PMC10010970 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction While sexual minority people have been widely considered at risk for developing a range of body image concerns, evidence of body dissatisfaction and shame amongst LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals is mixed. This study investigated differences in body uneasiness, body dissatisfaction, and self-blaming/attacking attitudes between LGB and heterosexual individuals, as well as within LGB groups, while also examining the predictive role of body mass index (BMI). Methods A sample of cisgender lesbian women (n = 163), gay men (n = 277), bisexual women (n = 135), bisexual men (n = 39), heterosexual women (n = 398), and heterosexual men (n = 219) completed an online survey assessing different aspects of body image between May and July 2020. Results Gay and bisexual men reported greater body image disturbance and self-blaming attitudes relative to heterosexual men. In contrast, lesbian women reported lower body uneasiness than their bisexual and heterosexual counterparts, but greater self-hate. Moreover, lesbian and bisexual women showed more body dissatisfaction than gay men, and bisexual individuals reported more body uneasiness than individuals in other sexual minority subgroups. Higher BMI emerged as a significant predictor of body image concerns and dissatisfaction. Conclusions Body image dimensions showed sexual identity-based differences. Determining the specific nuances of body image in LGB individuals can provide important information on potential risk factors that may impact mental health outcomes. Policy Implications In-depth knowledge of body dissatisfaction and uneasiness in individuals with LGB identities may have critical implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muzi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza Ermini, 1, Perugia, 06123 Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Naticchioni
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza Ermini, 1, Perugia, 06123 Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Sandoval CM, Romano KA, Heron KE, Dawson CA, Sutton TG, Winstead BA, Lewis RJ. Associations between body dissatisfaction and relationship functioning among same-sex female couples: An actor-partner interdependence model. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2022; 36:780-790. [PMID: 34968096 PMCID: PMC9651090 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nearly all past research about body dissatisfaction and romantic relationship factors is among heterosexual couples; little is known about these associations in sexual minority couples. The present study aimed to fill gaps in the current literature by using actor-partner interdependence models (APIMs) to examine dyadic patterns of association between body dissatisfaction and different aspects of relationship functioning among same-sex female couples. Participants were 163 same-sex female romantic dyads (326 women) between the ages of 18-35 years who completed measures of body dissatisfaction and relationship factors. Results from significance testing of actor and partner effects indicated higher levels of women's own body dissatisfaction were associated with lower levels of their own, but not their partner's, relationship satisfaction, closeness, sexual satisfaction, and intimacy/connectedness. Significance testing alone indicated that the association between one's own body dissatisfaction and their partner's relationship satisfaction was not significant. However, dyadic pattern testing identified a partner pattern for this effect, which suggests that the association between one's own body dissatisfaction and one's own relationship satisfaction is similar in magnitude and direction as that between an individuals' own body dissatisfaction and their partner's relationship satisfaction. In this study, women's own body dissatisfaction was found to be negatively associated with their own relationship functioning, which is consistent with findings of women in male-female couples. Thus, these findings highlight the important role that body dissatisfaction plays in women's relationship experiences. More research is needed to better understand potential cross-partner effects of body dissatisfaction and relationship factors in same-sex female couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristin E. Heron
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology
- Old Dominion University
| | | | | | | | - Robin J. Lewis
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology
- Old Dominion University
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4
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Body image disturbance and sexual orientation: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Body Image 2020; 35:126-141. [PMID: 32987246 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Negative body image, or body image disturbance (BID) has been associated with depression, low self-esteem, and the development of eating disorders. Furthermore, BID may affect an individual regardless of gender or sexual orientation. To synthesise the current literature, we conducted a meta-analysis of 48 studies to determine if BID differed between lesbian versus heterosexual women, lesbian women versus gay men, and gay versus heterosexual men. Body image measures were grouped according to similarities in constructs measured, resulting in five different categories (global satisfaction, figural-rating scales, cognitive measures, affect measures, and male body image). The results indicated that lesbian women reported experiencing less BID compared to heterosexual women on measures of global satisfaction, but more compared to gay men, and gay men reported experiencing greater BID compared to heterosexual men on three out of five analyses. Moderation analyses indicated that the study quality was not a statistically significant moderator of the effect sizes. Results from this updated meta-analysis indicate that, to some degree, BIDs affect individuals regardless of gender and sexual orientation; however, there is some variability associated with sexual orientation.
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5
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Markey CH, August KJ, Gillen MM, Dunaev JL. Predictors of disordered weight loss behaviors among same-sex and opposite-sex romantic partners. Eat Behav 2020; 39:101440. [PMID: 33130364 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the majority of adults will attempt to lose weight at some point in their lives, most weight loss behaviors are ineffective and potentially harmful. Further, weight loss behaviors often closely resemble disordered eating, and include behaviors such as fasting and purging. The current study examined potential predictors of disordered approaches to weight loss in the context of same-sex and opposite-sex romantic partnerships by investigating participants' (n = 500, Mage = 29.62 years) BMI, body image, self-esteem, relationship quality and disordered weight loss behaviors. We conducted analyses using Actor Partner Interdependence Models, which revealed that the greatest predictors of participating in disordered weight loss behavior were body dissatisfaction and having a male partner. These findings suggest that it is not sexuality, per se, that places individuals at risk for disordered weight loss behavior, but perhaps the value placed on thinness as defined by particular gender and cultural groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meghan M Gillen
- Pennsylvania State University, Abington, PA, United States of America
| | - Jamie L Dunaev
- Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, United States of America
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Chow CM, Hart E, Tan CC. Interactive role of weight status and fat talk on body dissatisfaction: an observation of women friends. Eat Weight Disord 2019; 24:869-878. [PMID: 30238235 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-0579-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study examined the interactive role of weight status and fat talk on body dissatisfaction among women friends. METHOD Sixty pairs of women friends completed a measure of body dissatisfaction and engaged in an observed fat talk interaction with their friend. RESULTS Women's weight status was related to their own, but not their friend's, body dissatisfaction. Observed fat talk was significantly related to individuals' own and their friend's body dissatisfaction. A significant interaction effect showed that the association between fat talk and body dissatisfaction was minimal for women with higher weight status. In contrast, fat talk was associated with more body dissatisfaction for women with lower weight status. CONCLUSION These findings suggest the importance of examining the conjoint effect of personal (e.g., weight status) and contextual (e.g., fat talk) factors on body image issues. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Man Chow
- Psychology Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, USA.
| | - Ellen Hart
- Psychology Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, USA
| | - Cin Cin Tan
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Steele SM, Belvy L, Veldhuis CB, Martin K, Nisi R, Hughes TL. Femininity, masculinity, and body image in a community-based sample of lesbian and bisexual women. Women Health 2019; 59:829-844. [PMID: 30786850 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2019.1567645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study expands the literature on body image among lesbian and bisexual women by examining the relationship between self-perceived gendered personality traits and expressions (i.e., sense of self in relation to cultural constructions of femininity and masculinity) and body satisfaction, a key body image construct. We used data from Wave 3 (2010-2012) of the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women (CHLEW) study. The CHLEW includes a novel measure of gender expression, with masculinity and femininity as distinct but overlapping constructs. In the large analytic sample (N = 553), we found both similarities and differences in the association between femininity/masculinity and body image in lesbian and bisexual women. Bisexual women reported significantly lower body satisfaction than lesbian women. Higher masculinity was associated with greater body satisfaction in the full sample, but the association was stronger for bisexual than lesbian women. Femininity was positively associated with body satisfaction only for bisexual women. These findings suggest that masculinity and femininity play different roles in body satisfaction for lesbian and bisexual women and highlight the importance of disaggregating sexual identity in studies of sexual minority women's health. Clinicians should routinely ask about sexual identity and gender expression, especially when presenting concerns involve body image or disordered eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Steele
- Department of Sociology, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Lisa Belvy
- Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System , Martinez , California , USA
| | - Cindy B Veldhuis
- School of Nursing, Columbia University , New York , New York , USA
| | - Kelly Martin
- School of Nursing, Columbia University , New York , New York , USA
| | - Robyn Nisi
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University , New York , New York , USA
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