Body beautiful: The impact of body image on sexual pleasure in a transgender population

Although literature focusing on the transgender community is becoming more prevalent, many themes remain un-researched. This study explored the impact body image has on sexual pleasure in a MtF (male to female) transgendered population. Specifically, body image and sexual pleasure were investigated both before sexual reassignment surgery (SRS) and after SRS, in order to determine if improved body image results in increased sexual pleasure.;The researcher created the Sammons Body Image and Sexual Pleasure Questionnaire for the purposes of this research. The questionnaire was posted online and participants were recruited by contacting trans focused agencies and by advertising for the study on the Internet. Of the 110 participants that began the questionnaire, 33 participants met all the criteria to participate. Two 2 X 2 mixed model repeated measures ANOVAS were conducted for the sexual pleasure and body image scores. Additionally, qualitative data were coded and quotations were selected to illustrate themes.;The findings from this research provide evidence that sexual reassignment surgery (SRS) significantly improves both body image and sexual pleasure. The results break new ground, in that this is the first research study to document the strong connection between body image and sexual pleasure in a transgender population.;This research argues for clinical interventions that are aimed at the alleviation of body shame in a trans population. Addressing body image issues and how body shame manifests as sexual displeasure can also help to address components of depression and self-esteem that may also be experienced. Lastly, this research encourages future research exploring the topics of body image and sexuality in a trans population, as there is still much to learn about this population.;An extensive literature review was conducted that thoroughly examined the existing research on the topics of transsexuality/transgender. The evolving concepts of gender were explored, as was the medicalization of the transgendered condition. The prevalence of gender polarization in our society was discussed in relation to how classifying people into distinctly male and female categories affects trans individuals. In addition to exploring literature on transgendered topics, the pertinent research on body image and sexuality were also examined.