Body Image Related to Sexual Health: Development of the Concept

Abstract

Introduction: Disturbances in body image can have an impact on sexual health and are prevalent in women of reproductive age. Although body image is important, the definition of this concept is inconsistent across the disciplines of nursing, medicine, and psychology. Use of a consistent definition in clinical practice and research could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of disturbances in body image, thereby advancing research-based knowledge and clinical practice. The purpose of this concept development was to advance the concept of body image as it relates to sexual health among women of reproductive age from the perspectives of 3 disciplines with a strong focus on body image: nursing, medicine, and psychology.

Methods: Strategies for concept development as described by Rodgers provided the basis for this work. The process includes a search, review, and synthesis of the literature surrounding the concept of interest.

Results: Seventy-one articles, mostly qualitative and quantitative descriptive, were included and used to develop the concept. Body image related to sexual health in women of reproductive age is a multifaceted concept that is composed of an emotional and behavioral response to one's perceived appearance, sexuality, and degree of femininity. An individual's body image is influenced by sociocultural identities, race, ethnicity, and health status. It has both physical and psychological impact on health outcomes.

Discussion: This interprofessional and comprehensive definition of body image should enhance understanding, assessment, and management of body image disturbances, thus bridging disciplines and enhancing interprofessional research and practice.

Keywords: body image; concept development; sexual health; women's health.