Body Image, Physical Fitness, and Sexual Satisfaction
Exercise has been shown to increase mood and is effective in treating mood disorders
(Hearon, B., et al., 2018), so does exercise influence body image? Penhollow and Young (2008)
analyzed how an individual’s level of fitness affects body image by using sexual satisfaction as
a mediating factor. They found that greater levels of perceived fitness positively correlated with
greater levels of sexual satisfaction. Inversely, they stated that greater levels of self-
consciousness were negatively correlated with sexual satisfaction. That is, the more self-
conscious an individual is, the more often they have problematic sexual encounters or avoid
sexual encounters altogether (Penhollow & Young, 2008).
This poses the question: is it the functionality of exercise or a lower percentage of body
fat influencing the increase in sexual satisfaction? Milhausen and colleagues (2015) utilized a
body composition method to study the effect of excess body fat on sexual functioning and
satisfaction. The results of this study found that for both men and women as body fat increased,
sexual functioning decreased, thus decreasing sexual satisfaction. Inversely, Kolotkin and
colleagues (2008) asserted in their study following individuals participating in a weight loss
treatment program that moderate weight loss was significantly associated with an increase in
sexual quality of life. The increase in satisfaction was not necessarily an accomplishment of
thinness because Kolotkin and colleagues followed moderate weight loss. Rather, it was
suggested that simply the act of losing weight separate from a specific weight or body-type goal
contributed to sexual improvements (Kolotkin et al., 2008). Perhaps, the mere act of taking care
of the body increases self-esteem and body image, thus increasing sexual satisfaction.
As individuals age, the focus on health and functioning becomes more apparent. The shift
from appearance to function increases in importance relative to body image (Elling, et al., 2016;
Laumann, et al., 2005; Thomas et al., 2015). Elling and colleagues (2016) suggested that body
image concerns may be replaced by body function concerns. They found that the general trend
for aging women, was an improvement in body image concerns. While body function shifts into
focus more, some women still seem to be preoccupied with body image. Elling and colleagues
(2016) found that women who were less satisfied with their body walked more each day
suggesting that body image concern may still be a large motivator for physical activity later in
life. While there are a variety of factors that contribute to body image, these findings support the
idea that physical fitness, which could be the perceived level of fitness, lower weight, or physical
functionality increase the likelihood of positive body image and sexual satisfaction.
Interpersonal Dimension of Body Image
Ambwani and Strauss (2007) review literature that illustrate the interpersonal dimension
of women’s satisfaction with their body. They utilized qualitative and quantitative methods and
found both body image and relationship satisfaction to influence each other. A connection
between body image and relationship satisfaction has been studied on multiple occasions
(Ambwani & Strauss, 2007; DeVille, et al., 2015; Cairo Notari et al., 2017; Meltzer &
McNulty, 2010; van den Brink & Vollman, 2018). However, there have been different
approaches that have elicited different understandings of the connection. Some have found that
body image is an influential predictor of relationship satisfaction. Yet others have found that the
inverse is true; the security of a satisfying romantic relationship acts as a protective factor for
body image, and that both positive and negative perceived evaluation from a partner influences
women's body image (Ambwani & Strauss, 2007). The connection between body image and
relationship satisfaction seems to be cyclical in that they influence each other. Perhaps, women
are interpersonal and integrated beings thus further explaining the cyclical influence.
Identity Formation
McBride’s (2017) research pointed her to uncovering the role of mothers in the
development of daughter’s body image. Throughout her interviews with mothers and daughters,
she found that the daughter developed identity through relationship with her mother. Her
mother passed on values, behaviors, and beliefs that influenced how the daughter thinks, feels,
and acts in her body. McBride claims that motherly love is a protective factor for the hurt that
we encounter in the world. Love and parental relationships are the foundation for women,
whether that is a positive or negative experience, to form identity. It is the security that allows
girls to take emotional risks and to create healthy attachment styles with their parents. These
attachment styles often follow individuals into adulthood and romantic relationships (Johnson,
2017; McBride, 2017).
McBride’s research (2017) supports the claim that identity formation for women
happens in relationships throughout their lifetime. There are factors that happen within the
bounds of a relationship and those that happen within the individual that contribute to the
multidimensionality of body image. The factors that are largely reliant on relationships are
quality of relationships, healthy attachment styles, and understanding of self-worth. The factors
that an individual can largely control are physical fitness, physical functionality, BMI (Body
Mass Index), spiritual life, brain/body emotions, critical thinking, and embodiment. However,
even these individual factors rely on relationships to learn positive habits (McBride, 2017).
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