Biomedical subjects

A Kearney-Cooke

Publications and source records attributed to A Kearney-Cooke.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Effect of body image and self-image on women's sexual behaviors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between women's body image, self-image, and sexual behaviors; to determine the effect of body image on personal and sex variables; and to identify factors that contribute to more frequent and greater comfort with sex. METHOD: A magazine survey that included items about body image, self-image, and sexual behaviors was completed by 3,627 women. RESULTS: Women more satisfied with body image reported more sexual activity, orgasm, and initiating sex, greater comfort undressing in front of their partner, having sex with the lights on, trying new sexual behaviors, and pleasing their partner sexually than those dissatisfied. Positive body image was inversely related to self-consciousness and importance of physical attractiveness, and positively related to relationships with others and overall satisfaction. Body image was predictive only of one's comfort undressing in front of partner and having sex with lights on. Overall satisfaction was predictive of frequency of sex, orgasm, and initiating sex, trying new sexual behaviors, and confidence in giving partner sexual pleasure. DISCUSSION: Results indicate that overall self-image and body image are significant predictors of sexual activity. Directions for future research are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Treatment of childhood sexual abuse in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: a feminist psychodynamic approach.

In this article a parallel is drawn between the psychological problems experienced by victims of childhood sexual abuse and by clients with eating disorders. In particular, we describe how sexual abuse has a significant and lasting effect on body image, identity, self-regulation, and interpersonal functioning. Treatment issues are outlined including the nature of the healing relationship, assessment of abuse, development of capacity for self-soothing, techniques for assisting in memory recall, sculpting of images, description and reenactment of abuse, dealing with shame, and ending the cycle of repeated victimization.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Exploring parents' attitudes and behaviors about their children's physical appearance.

This survey study provides descriptive information regarding parents' evaluations of children's physical appearance, eating habits and exercise behaviors, and of parental efforts to influence their children's physical appearance. It further tests hypotheses of gender-related differences and age effects in parents' evaluations of their children. The study sample included 1,276 adult men and women who were selected from the participants of a body image survey. To be included, respondents had to be a parent of a child between the ages of 2 years and 16 years. A majority of respondents were found to be basically satisfied with their child's physical appearance, eating habits, and exercise behavior. However, increasingly less positive evaluations were reported with increasing age of the child. This shift in attitude was observed already among parents of grade schoolers. Few gender-related differences were found between male and female respondents, although women appeared to be more involved in influencing children's appearance. Analyses exploring differences concerning gender of the child found mixed results. Some questions resulted in gender-related differences consistent with the greater importance of beauty for women compared with men, yet our data also suggested that increasingly, men are included in our culture's mandate to value and pursue physical attractiveness.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Gender differences and self-esteem.

The onset of adolescence--the period of transition between childhood and adulthood--is usually accompanied by dramatic and often difficult changes in the life of a young person. Biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors all contribute to influence an adolescent's personal development and self-esteem. Studies have shown that adolescent girls tend to have lower self-esteem and more negative assessments of their physical characteristics and intellectual abilities than boys have. These findings may explain why the incidence of suicide attempts, depression, and eating disorders is substantially higher in girls. Future research on methods for promoting self-esteem may help reduce the negative feelings of adolescent girls, as well as the problems that stem from them.

Achievement↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effects of sexual abuse on body image, self-image, and sexual activity of women.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the differences between females who had been sexually abused and those who had not been sexually abused in body image, self-image, self-consciousness, and relationships; to determine the effect of sexual abuse on sexual intimacy and behavior; and to identify consequences of sexual abuse. METHODS: A sample of 1664 females (832 sexually abused and 832 not sexually abused) who responded to a survey in Shape magazine were strictly matched on age and body mass index. RESULTS: Females who had been sexually abused reported more body dissatisfaction and self-consciousness, less satisfaction with themselves and in relationships, and less comfort with having sex with the lights on and undressing in front of their sexual partner than females who had not been sexually abused. Additional consequences of sexual abuse included lack of control over the body, eating disorders, and sexual identity confusion. Females who had been sexually abused were less likely to use contraception regularly than those without a history of sexual abuse. DISCUSSION: Results are presented with respect to limitations of the study and suggestions for treatment interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of sexual abuse permeates all areas of survivors' lives. Clinicians have the opportunity to help their clients respond to the trauma of abuse.

Body Image↗