RT journal article
T1 Female genital self-image and psychological distress: the serial mediating effects of existential shame and limited access to emotion regulation strategies
A1 Ruiz-Herrera, Isabella Magdala
A1 Sánchez Fernández,  Magdalena
A1 Mestre Navas, José Miguel
A2 Psicología
K1 Malestar Psicológico
K1 distres
K1 ansiedad
K1 regulación de emociones
K1 mujeres
K1 Emotional dysregulation
K1 Existential shame
K1 Female genital self-image
K1 Psychological distress
K1 Women’s health
AB PurposeConcern about female genital self-image (FGSI) is increasing due to its implications for women's well-being. Previous research has linked negative FGSI to psychological distress. However, the underlying mechanisms of this association remain unclear, with shame and emotional dysregulation being potential mediators. This study aimed to test a serial mediation model in which FGSI is associated with psychological distress through shame and emotional dysregulation.MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed, with a total of 445 women (Age: M = 40.22, SD = 10.69, range = 17–70) completing an online survey.ResultsLinear regression analysis revealed a significant association between psychological distress and both existential shame and limited access to emotion regulation strategies. FGSI and the remaining dimensions of shame and emotional dysregulation did not show a direct significant association with psychological distress. Mediation analysis confirmed that the relationship between FGSI and psychological distress was fully mediated by existential shame, limited access to emotion regulation strategies, and the serial mediation of these two variables.ConclusionThese findings have important practical implications for the development of preventive and intervention strategies aimed at women with low FGSI, focusing on addressing feelings of maladaptive shame and enhancing effective emotion regulation strategies.
PB Springer Nature
SN 1435-1102
YR 2026
FD 2026-01-18
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/39053
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/39053
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 08-nov-2026