%0 Journal Article
%T Appearance Satisfaction as a Predictor of Specific Sexual Problems and Associated Distress.
%A Øverup CS
%A Strizzi JM
%A Cipric A
%A Træen B
%A Hald GM
%J J Sex Med
%V 18
%N 9
%D Sep 2021 1
%M 37057431
%F 3.937
%R 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.06.019
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Appearance dissatisfaction is a sensitive issue and has been tied to depression, dissatisfaction in romantic relationships, and reduced sexual satisfaction.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study sought to examine associations between appearance satisfaction and specific sexual problems and related distress, testing also the moderating role of relationship satisfaction.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A large web-sample of Norwegians in romantic relationships (N = 2,903) completed a one-time survey.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Participants reported on their experience of five different sexual problems and associated level of distress.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>We found that appearance satisfaction was associated with reporting fewer sexual problems, and specifically, with a smaller likelihood of experiencing problems with lack of enjoyment, lack of excitement, and lack of climax. Furthermore, appearance satisfaction was unrelated to overall sexual problem-related distress, but was associated with feeling less distress about lack of excitement and lack of climax. Relationship satisfaction did not serve as a moderator of the associations.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>These findings suggest the importance of attending to appearance satisfaction when working with clients with multiple sexual problems, particularly those related to excitement and enjoyment.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Strengths of the study include a large sample of partnered adults and assessment of specific sexual problems and associated distress. A limitation is that outcomes were assessed using single items, rather than multi-item scales.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The study highlights the importance of examining the presence of sexual problems and associated distress separately, and to consider appearance satisfaction as a predictor of sexual functioning.