Genital image, sexual anxiety, and erectile dysfunction among young male military personnel.
BACKGROUND
More than a third of young military personnel report experiencing some level of erectile dysfunction (ED). Preoccupation with body image, particularly genitals, is a distraction that can influence sexual anxiety (SA) and sexual functioning problems (SFPs), particularly ED.


OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the relationships between male genital self-image (MGSI), SA, and ED in a sample of male military personnel age 40 or younger.


METHODS
Data were from a larger study on SFPs in military populations. This sample consisted of 367 male military personnel age 40 or younger. Hierarchical regression analyses and process modeling using mediation analysis were performed to examine the effects of MGSI on ED with SA as an intermediate variable. We predicted that SA would mediate the relationship between MGSI and ED.


METHODS
ED severity was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function. MGSI was assessed using the MGSI Scale. SA was assessed with the SA subscale of the Sexual Needs Scale.


RESULTS
As hypothesized, greater satisfaction with MGSI was predictive of significantly lower SA (F[8, 352] = 4.07, P = 0.001) and lower ED (F[8, 352] = 13.20, P = 0.001). Lower levels of SA were predictive of lower levels of ED (F[8, 354] = 21.35, P < 0.001). Additionally, results also revealed a significant indirect effect of MGSI on ED through SA (b = -0.07, standard error = 0.03, confidence interval = [-0.14,-0.02], P < 0.05), indicating mediation of MGSI on ED via SA.


CONCLUSIONS
This study underscores the complex etiologic basis of SFPs, particularly ED, and highlights the importance of considering psychologic contributors to ED, such as SA and MGSI. Strategies aimed at reducing SA may be useful in improving ED in young military populations and are worth considering as complements to strategies that improve SFPs.
Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans & Military Families (CIR), School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Sherrie L
SL
Wilcox
Department of Psychology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
Sarah
S
Redmond
Department of Psychology, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Teaniese L
TL
Davis
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005837:Genitalia, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*
Erectile Dysfunction; Genital Self-Image; Military Personnel; Sexual Anxiety; Sexual Dysfunction