Mediating Role of Psychological Distress between Body Image Concerns and Sexual Functioning in Primiparous Women

Abstract

The birth of a baby brings changes in the weight and body shape of a female, distorting their body image. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between body image concerns, psychological distress, and sexual functioning in primiparous women. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to recruit 120 primiparous women from gynecology clinics located in Punjab via purposive sampling. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 35 years (M=26, SD=4.34). The data was collected through a survey booklet, including socio demographics and standardized assessment measures like the Body Image Concerns Inventory, Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale, and the Female Sexual Functioning Index. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product moment correlation, and mediation analysis were the main statistical tools used in this study. The study found a significant positive association between body image concerns and psychological distress. Similarly, body image concerns and psychological distress were negatively correlated with sexual functioning. The mediation analysis revealed that the association between body image concerns and sexual functioning was partially mediated by psychological distress. Increased body image concerns have a negative impact on the psychological and sexual well-being of primiparous women.