Abstract
Male genital self-image (GSI) refers to how men feel about their genitals. Studies suggest that GSI is influenced by several psychosocial and physical factors, such as frequency of sexual activities, anxiety, and sexual dysfunctions. In Brazil, no studies have investigated the factors associated with satisfaction with male GSI. This is a cross-sectional and online study conducted with Brazilian men over 18 years of age. The Male Genital Self-Image Scale (MGSIS), Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were used. Body appreciation and frequency of sexual activity were included as confirmatory variables and other variables were explored as factors associated with GSI. Data were analyzed by binary logistic and multiple linear regression, according to the MGSIS cut-off point for satisfaction with male GSI and total score of MGSIS, respectively. A total of 1,235 men (M = 26.14, SD = 7.28 years) participated in the study. The mean of the total MGSIS score was 23.02 (SD = 4.45; absolute range, 7–28) points, with 62.11% of men being classified as satisfied with GSI. Men satisfied with GSI were more likely to have a partner, higher body appreciation, lower body mass index (BMI), and not have phimosis (excess skin covering the penis, making it difficult to expose the glans). Satisfaction with GSI of Brazilian men was associated with relationship status, body appreciation, BMI, and phimosis.
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This research was funded with a research grant from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq (153702/2020-6).
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E.V.S.: Conceptualization, Writing, and Investigation. G.T.A.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Data curation, and Writing. M.M.B.: Supervision: Conceptualization, Reviewing and Editing. All authors approved the version to be published.
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da Silva, E.V., de Arruda, G.T. & Braz, M.M. Factors Associated with Satisfaction with Male Genital Self-Image in Brazil. Arch Sex Behav 52, 3113–3122 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02656-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02656-w