Personality and Postpartum Sexual Functioning in Israeli Women: The Mediating Role of Body Image
In this study, we aimed to measure the association between the postpartum personality and sexual functioning. This association was examined in light of the possible mediation effect of body image measures, that is, body satisfaction and body exposure during sexual activity. This cross-sectional study employed a web-based questionnaire for women who had given birth in the previous year (N = 382). Key outcome measures included sexual functioning after birth, body image satisfaction, neuroticism, and extraversion personality dimensions. Among the key findings, increased anxiety regarding body exposure during sexual activity and lower body satisfaction were associated with lower postpartum sexual functioning. Higher neuroticism, but not extraversion, was associated with lower postpartum sexual functioning; however, this association was mediated by the body image measures. Given this mediation by body image variables, it may be beneficial to address body image issues when treating women with postpartum sexual difficulties.