Body Image Concern and Sexual Function Relationship in the Postpartum Period: The Mediating Role of Sexual Self-esteem

The postpartum period is associated with stress due to extensive psychological and physiological changes that occur in women. These changes may result in a re-evaluation of sexual function and related factors. 

The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body image concern and sexual function with the mediating role of sexual self-esteem among women in the postpartum period. 

In this descriptive-analytical correlational research, the study population consisted of all women referring to medical centers affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran City, Iran, in 2022. The sample consisted of 239 participants selected by multi-stage convenient sampling. The female sexual function index, body image concern inventory, and sexual self-esteem inventory were used to collect data, which were analyzed using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling.

The data analyses from 239 participants with a mean age of 32.42±6.60 years indicated a significant correlation between body image concern and sexual self-esteem (P=0.01, r=-0.54). In addition, there was a significant correlation between sexual self-esteem and female sexual function (P=0.01, r=0.43). Although there was a significant relationship between body image concern and female sexual function, this correlation was not strong enough (P=0.01, r=-0.24). The results of path analysis also indicate that body image concern is not directly related to women’s sexual function. Still, it can indirectly play a role in women’s sexual function through sexual self-esteem. 

Based on the results, body image concern affects sexual function among women after childbirth through sexual self-esteem. Thus, mental health professionals are recommended to consider body image concerns and sexual self-esteem to select the most appropriate treatment for sexual dysfunction in women.