Examining the Relationships between Recreational Physical Activity, Body Image, and Sexual Functioning and Satisfaction in Men
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Abstract
Few studies have examined the relationships between recreational physical activity, body image and sexuality simultaneously. Research has demonstrated that females experience poor body satisfaction to a greater degree than men (Faith & Schare, 1993; Feingold & Mazzella, 1998), however, studies focusing on male body image and sexuality are lacking (Lavender, 2011). The objective of the current study was to investigate the relationships between recreational physical activity, body image and sexual function and satisfaction in 849 emerging adult, heterosexual men. Results indicated that engagement in recreational physical activity predicted better body image but not sexual functioning or satisfaction. Better body image predicted greater sexual function and satisfaction, and sexual function predicted greater sexual satisfaction. Implications and future research are discussed.