Body dissatisfaction and sexuality among women with bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE

Past research and clinical observations have implicated sexuality as a factor involved in eating disorders. Yet little research has been conducted on possible links between body image and sexuality. We investigated such relationships within a large sample of women with bulimia nervosa.

METHOD: A sample of adult women (N = 221) diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, purging type, completed a widely used measure of body dissatisfaction and answered questions about basic sexual experiences (coital and masturbation experience, age of onset of these activities, and self-rated satisfaction with current sexual activity).

RESULTS

After controlling for age, age of onset of menses, and current body size, body dissatisfaction was unrelated to coital experience. However, even after controlling for these relevant covariates, current body dissatisfaction was predictive of lower incidence, and later onset, of masturbation. Current body dissatisfaction was marginally related (p < .10) to self-rated satisfaction with one's current sex life.

DISCUSSION: Results are discussed with regard to past research, directions for future research, and clinical implications.