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The role of body image in sexual satisfaction among partnered older adults: a population-based study in four European countries

Author

Listed:
  • Ingela Lundin Kvalem

    (University of Oslo)

  • Cynthia A. Graham

    (University of Southampton)

  • Gert Martin Hald

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Ana Alexandra Carvalheira

    (ISPA-University Institute of Psychological Sciences)

  • Erick Janssen

    (University of Leuven)

  • Aleksandar Štulhofer

    (University of Zagreb)

Abstract

Body image issues can affect all domains of sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to examine how, in a sociocultural context where physical and sexual attractiveness is equated with young and slim body ideals, appearance dissatisfaction and importance are related to sexual satisfaction in older adults in four European countries. A cross-sectional survey with probability samples of the population aged 60–75 years was used. Only respondents with a partner were included in this paper, and the countries included Norway (n = 957), Denmark (n = 846), Belgium (n = 612), and Portugal (n = 367). Sexual satisfaction, appearance dissatisfaction, and importance were assessed, and frequency of intercourse/kissing and cuddling, relationship satisfaction, age, and body mass index were all used as control variables. Belgian men scored significantly lower on sexual satisfaction, while there was no difference in sexual satisfaction in women. Appearance dissatisfaction was lower in Scandinavian women and men, and in Belgian men, and appearance salience was lower in Norwegian men and women, and in Portuguese women. Linear regression analysis revealed that, adjusting for confounders, appearance dissatisfaction was significantly related to sexual satisfaction in Scandinavian women and men, as well as in Belgian men. Compared to research on younger adults, appearance evaluation appeared to play an equally important role in sexual satisfaction in older adults in our study. The variation in appearance dissatisfaction in older adults across European countries is a novel finding that needs to be examined further.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingela Lundin Kvalem & Cynthia A. Graham & Gert Martin Hald & Ana Alexandra Carvalheira & Erick Janssen & Aleksandar Štulhofer, 2020. "The role of body image in sexual satisfaction among partnered older adults: a population-based study in four European countries," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 163-173, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:17:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10433-019-00542-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-019-00542-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Timothy P Moss & Benjamin A Rosser, 2012. "The Moderated Relationship of Appearance Valence on Appearance Self Consciousness: Development and Testing of New Measures of Appearance Schema Components," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(11), pages 1-7, November.
    2. Adena M. Galinsky & Martha K. McClintock & Linda J. Waite, 2014. "Sexuality and Physical Contact in National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project Wave 2," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 69(Suppl_2), pages 83-98.
    3. Timothy P Moss & Victoria Lawson & Paul White & The Appearance Research Collaboration, 2014. "Salience and Valence of Appearance in a Population with a Visible Difference of Appearance: Direct and Moderated Relationships with Self-Consciousness, Anxiety and Depression," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(2), pages 1-8, February.
    4. Juyeon Kim & Linda J. Waite, 2014. "Relationship Quality and Shared Activity in Marital and Cohabiting Dyads in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, Wave 2," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 69(Suppl_2), pages 64-74.
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