Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction: The Role of Body Image and Fitness

Abstract

A satisfying sex life is an important element of overall health and quality of life. The media plays an important role in shaping adolescents’ physical appearance ideals and promoting a “perfect body” to the young as a means to achieve sexual success. The purpose of the study was to determine if a set of body image and fitness variables could be identified that would account for a significant amount of variation in sexual satisfaction.

Data were collected from a convenience sample of undergraduate students. Results indicated that body image and fitness variables were significant predictors of sexual satisfaction. These findings may have implications for those working to help individuals and couples enhance the quality of their sexual relationships.