Effect of Exercise on Reported Physical Sexual Satisfaction of University Students

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine sexually active university students' reported level of physical sexual satisfaction and perceived impact of exercise on physical satisfaction. In addition, this study investigated whether reported physical sexual satisfaction and perceived impact of exercise on physical sexual satisfaction differed based on current exercise status, body mass index, and gender. A sample of 678 college students completed a two page, 35-item survey instrument. Results indicated that students who were regular exercisers (engaged in vigorous physical activity for 20 minutes ≥ 3 days per week) were significantly more likely than students who were not regular exercisers to report higher levels of physical sexual satisfaction. Body mass index was also significantly correlated to physical sexual satisfaction. A series of multivariate analyses of variance revealed that physical sexual satisfaction and perceived impact of exercise on physical sexual satisfaction differed significantly based on gender. Overall, students perceived body image, sexual desirability perception, and physical strength as the three leading components of physical sexual satisfaction impacted by exercise. Since regular exercise may increase physical sexual satisfaction levels, health professionals could use the results of this study to help motivate individuals to enhance their physical sexual satisfaction by becoming more physically active