The Skinny on Body Image and Involvement in Risky Sexual Behaviors among University Students

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION, PRESENTED AUGUST 5, 2011 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI TITLE: The Skinny on Body Image and Involvement in Risky Sexual Behaviors among University Students MASTERS COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Dr. Keith A. King, Chair Dr. Rebecca A. Vidourek, Committee Member Engaging in risky sexual behaviors poses serious risks to university students across the United States. Sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies are highest among the age group of university students. A low level of body image satisfaction is another prevalent issue among university students that may be linked to risky sexual behaviors. Specifically regarding university students, more research is needed to thoroughly understand the relationship between risky sexual behaviors and body image. A comprehensive review of literature revealed several studies that had examined body image and general sexual activity. However, a gap in the research literature was found regarding the potential impact of body image and involvement in risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, the present study was conducted. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of body image on students’ involvement in risky sexual behaviors, including age at first sexual intercourse, number of lifetime sexual partners, number of recent sexual partners, ever having engaged in a one-night stand, ever having engaged in sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, ever having engaged in sexual intercourse while intoxicated, ever having engaged in sexual intercourse without the use of a condom, use of a condom during last sexual intercourse, number of lifetime sexual intercourse partners without the use of a condom, frequency of condom use during sexual intercourse and perceived-self efficacy regarding condom use. This study also examined whether body image satisfaction differed significantly among sexually active university students based on: sex, grade, and level of social support. A total of 465 university students in general education courses at a Midwestern University completed surveys during the 2011 spring quarter (93% response rate). A two-page, 51-item survey was developed and tested for validity and reliability. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, multivariate analyses of variance, and univariate F-tests were performed to analyze the data. Results indicated that most students (78.9%) had engaged in sexual intercourse during their lifetime and 80.5% of sexually active students had engaged in sexual intercourse without the use of a condom. In addition, more than half (53.8%) reported having a low level of body image satisfaction. Engaging in sexual intercourse significantly differed based on level of body image satisfaction. More specifically, students who had high body image were significantly more likely than students who had low body image to have ever engaged in sexual intercourse. However, results indicated no significant relationship between body image and involvement in risky sexual behaviors such as those noted above. Body image satisfaction among students did significantly differ based on level of social support. Students who had high levels of social support had significantly higher levels of body image satisfaction. Recommendations have been included for future studies.