Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the mediating role of body mass index in predicting sexual function based on women's gender identity.
Methods: By The research method was applied in terms of purpose and conditions of descriptive (non-experimental) nature, and the research design was structural equation correlation. The study population was women (40-40 years old) referred to Karaj health centers in 1977. Among them, 500 who met the criteria for the study were selected by the available sampling method. The research data were collected through Women's Sexual Performance Index-Rosen et al. (2000) and gender role identity questionnaire in different cultures-Schertz et al. (2008). Finally, data were analyzed in SPSS and AMOS software.
Results: The results showed that sexual function had a positive and direct relationship with each of the variables of masculine and feminine gender identity. Is 0 (P <0.05). Body mass index had a direct effect on sexual function in women, and the regression coefficient of body mass index for height and weight was 0.56 and 0.48, respectively (P <0.05). Finally, the results showed that BMI has a mediating role in predicting sexual function based on sexual self-concept in women.
Conclusion: The subjective recognition of one's self as feminine or masculine gender identity, that is, the image that one has in one's own identity, plays a predictive role in women's sexual function. It is necessary to consider gender identity as an essential factor in enhancing women's sexual function in counseling and psychotherapy, recognizing women's BMI.