This post elucidates how body esteem acts as a common factor in a tendency towards binge eating and coital dissatisfaction among women.

Background

Several studies have suggested a relevant overlap between eating disorders and sexual dysfunction involving the emotional component of body esteem and dissociative experiences.

Aim

To evaluate the common maintaining factors of sexual dysfunction and vulnerability to pathologic eating behaviors and their relation to a physiologic stress response.

Methods

In the present cross-sectional study, we evaluated a non-clinical sample of 60 heterosexual women (25–35 years old) for dissociation during sex with a partner, body image disturbance, and tendency toward pathologic eating behaviors.

Outcomes

Participants completed the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale–Women, the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, and the Eating Attitudes Test Short Version. Furthermore, we assessed cortisol levels before, during, and after exposure to explicit sexual stimuli shown within a laboratory setting.

Results

Dysfunctional body image esteem and a tendency toward binge-eating behaviors were associated with greater sexual distress in women. In particular, body esteem was significantly associated with greater dissociation during sex with a partner. Moreover, women who reported greater dissociation during sex with a partner and a tendency toward binge-eating behaviors showed higher levels of cortisol in response to sexual stimuli.

Clinical Implications

These results support further research based on trans-diagnostic treatments targeted to dissociation and body image esteem, which could lessen sexual dysfunction and vulnerability to pathologic eating behaviors.

Strengths and Limitations

Despite the small sample and self-reported questionnaires, this is the first study to consider the association of the stress response during sexual stimuli with sexual distress and with pathologic eating behaviors adopting a dimensional approach.

Conclusion

Body uneasiness and dissociation represented factors underlying pathologic eating behaviors and sexual dysfunction. Women reporting a tendency toward binge-eating episodes and dissociation during sexual experiences represented a sub-population with a higher stress response during sexual stimuli.

Dr. Sharmila Majumdar
Courtesy from the Journal of Sexual Medicine