Body Image versus Risky Sex Dr. David J. Demko, Professor and Editor-in-Chief AgeVenture News Service Your body image may be affecting your love life in dangerous ways, so says a March 2006 study of sexually active college students cconducted researchers at Penn State University. Interestingly, the same body image can lead to uniquely different sexual consequences between males and females. Sexually active male first-year college students who had a positive view of their appearance had a higher likelihood of having multiple sexual partners and engaging in unprotected sex. However, sexually active female first-year college students who were happy with their looks were less likely to undertake those same risks, say study authors Eva Lefkowitz, Meghan Gillen, and Cindy Shearer. According to Penn State researcher, Dr. Eva S. Lefkowitz, "These findings suggest that programs that focus on improving young women's attitudes toward their body could also help to promote healthy sexuality. However, programs designed to promote positive body image among young men should also include content to help them develop healthy sexual attitudes and respect for women." The 434 study participants presented the following characteristics. AGE: 17 - 19 years GENDER: 52% female, 48% male ETHNICITY: European (39%), African (32%), Latino (29%) FAITH: Protestant (40%), Catholic 38%), Other (22%) SEXUALLY ACTIVE: Yes (254), No (180) According to co-researcher Meghan Gillen,"Both men and women who were sexually active evaluated their appearance in a more positive way, were less dissatisfied with their bodies, and were more oriented toward their appearance than sexually abstinent individuals." The Penn State researchers concur that a positive view of one's body may provide an extra dose of confidence for males and, as a result, these men may be confident enough to seek multiple sexual partners and engage in unprotected sex behaviors that exemplify the stereotypical male role of sexual freedom. Among sexually active young women, the researchers found that the confidence which comes from a positive body image may work in the opposite way to empower them to resist multiple partners and insist that a condom be used when they do engage in sex. The researchers note, "Although the present study does not allow us to argue that changing body image can cause a reduction in risky sexual behavior, it does suggest body image as a possible area of intervention." The study was supported by a grant to Lefkowitz from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. My readers may be interested in a related Penn State Study focusing on body image and sexual activity among Boomer Zoomer couples. See related articles in the AgeVenture archives. AgeVenture Topics and Trends AgeVenture Lifestyle Features AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com BACK TO TOP