The Effects of Genital Image and Body Image on Sexual Functioning in Women

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Format:
Survey
Year of publication:
2009
Description:

Coping with psychosexual issues for individuals and their partners can be difficult. Disappointment, isolation and poor quality of life can occur if sexual issues are not understood. Perceptions of one's physical self plays a significant role in one's sexual self-esteem. The more discomfort one has about their body the more avoidance one may experience in expressing their sexuality. Genital image is an important component of sexual functioning that is poorly represented in the literature. Indirect evidence for the concept of genital image can be found in the media that document the recent increase in women seeking cosmetic surgery for their genitalia.

This research will investigate further, the intimacy issues for women by evaluating if genital image concerns influence comfort during sexual activity. The research aims to evaluate the type of framework or prevention intervention that is necessary to enhance quality of life for women who have genital image concerns. One way of achieving this is helping women become more knowledgeable and comfortable with their genitals.

The study invites participants to complete questionnaires on-line which will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.

Participate in the online survey now

Frances D'Arcy-Tehan

For more information please email fdar7260@mail.usyd.edu.au.

Entry created:
23 Nov 2008
Entry last modified:
23 Nov 2008