The Role of Body Image in Predicting the Quality of Sexual Function in Primiparous Women After Childbirth
Subject Areas :Kazem Khorramdel 1 , Soodeh Dashtiane 2 , ladan ashraf 3
1 - Clinical Psychology
2 - PhD student in psychology, Department of Psychology, MarVdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran.
3 - Master of Arts in Social Psychology, Fatimah Non-Profit Institute, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
Keywords: Body image, sexual function, primiparous women, childbirth.,
Abstract :
This study aims to investigate the role of body image in predicting sexual performance quality in primiparous women after childbirth in Bushehr. Bodily changes after childbirth, particularly in first-time mothers, can significantly affect their body perception, as well as their sexual relationships and satisfaction. Researchers believe that a positive or negative body image after childbirth influences not only sexual performance quality but also mental health and life satisfaction in women. Given the importance of this issue, this research specifically examines how body image affects the sexual performance of primiparous women in Bushehr.The research used a quantitative approach, employing valid and standardized measurement tools for data collection. The tools included the Fisher Body Image Scale (FBIS) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), both of which have the necessary validity and reliability for accurate assessment. These tools are specifically designed to evaluate various aspects of body image and sexual function. The study population consisted of primiparous women who had given birth vaginally. To enhance the accuracy and generalizability of the results, random sampling was employed, and the study group was selected from primiparous women with similar conditions residing in Bushehr.The findings clearly showed that postpartum body image significantly influences sexual function quality. Women with a positive body image after childbirth reported higher sexual performance quality. In contrast, women with a negative body image experienced a significant decline in satisfaction and sexual function quality. These findings underscore the importance of considering the mental health and body image of women after childbirth, emphasizing that a negative body image can affect not only sexual health but also interpersonal relationships.The results also indicated that improving body image after childbirth could directly lead to increased satisfaction with sexual performance. This highlights the importance of focusing on body image in postpartum women and shows that through the development of behavioral and psychological interventions, body image can be enhanced, ultimately improving women’s quality of life and mental health.The overall conclusion of this research emphasizes that postpartum body image plays a crucial role in women’s sexual and mental health. Therefore, addressing this issue could contribute to the development of intervention programs and targeted treatments designed to improve body image, thereby enhancing sexual performance and mental well-being in women.
