INTERPLAY BETWEEN DISORDERED EATING, SELF-ESTEEM, AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION

Eating disorders are severe mental health concerns that need to be studied further to gain more knowledge about how to treat them. This quantitative study aimed to explore the relationship between disordered eating, self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction in cisgender women ages 18-40 years old. No previous literature had found a relationship between all three factors. The research was conceptualized through a feminist theory perspective. It was hypothesized that disordered eating would have a negative relationship with self-esteem and sexual satisfaction. Another hypothesis was that self-esteem would have a negative relationship with sexual satisfaction and disordered eating. Both of the hypotheses were supported. Lower self-esteem was found to have a negative relationship with disordered eating and sexual satisfaction. Clinicians are encouraged to keep these results in mind when working with individuals with eating disorders to ensure they are providing the best care for clients.