Structural equation modeling of Korean female genital image for marital satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of sexual satisfaction on the relationship between genital image and marital satisfaction using a structural equation model. Data from 365 married women in Korea were analyzed using a structural equation model. The Korean-Female Genital Image Scale (K-FGI S), Sexual Satisfaction Scale, and Korean Marital Satisfaction Scale were used as research tools. M-PLUS 6.12 Program was used for data analysis. The relationship between genital image and sexual satisfaction (β=0.884, se=0.069, t=11.205, p<0.001) and the relationship between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction were significant (β=0.561, se=0.074, t=8.317, p<0.001). The indirect effect of sex satisfaction on genital image and marital satisfaction was also statistically significant (β=0.496, se=0.046, t=10.813, p<0.001, 95% CI [0.406, 0.572]). Additionally, a structural equation model analysis confirmed that genital image mediates the relationship between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction. This study also showed that the path model was appropriate for explaining the relationship between genital image and marital satisfaction, indicating genital image as a potential variable. Regarding the relationship between genital image and marital satisfaction, we discussed the limitations and suggestions for considering the variables of sexual satisfaction.