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2025-11-19
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How to Cite
From body image to bonding: The role of intimacy in enhancing relationship satisfaction among Malaysian adults
Shubashini Mathialagan
Faculty of Social Sciences, Raffles University, G-05, Medini 7, Jalan Medini Sentral 5, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Amos En Zhe Lian
Faculty of Social Sciences, Raffles University, G-05, Medini 7, Jalan Medini Sentral 5, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia ; Kepha Institute, Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC 29203, United States
Boon Tao Chew
Faculty of Social Sciences, Raffles University, G-05, Medini 7, Jalan Medini Sentral 5, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i11.4223
Keywords: body image; intimacy; relationship satisfaction; romantic relationship; Malaysia
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of body image on intimacy and relationship satisfaction among Malaysian adults in romantic relationships, with a specific focus on intimacy as a potential mediator. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 245 Malaysian participants and the correlational analyses revealed positive associations between body image and intimacy, body image and relationship satisfaction, and a particularly strong positive correlation between intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Mediation analysis confirmed a significant indirect effect, indicating that intimacy fully mediated the relationship between body image and relationship satisfaction. These findings suggest that individuals with higher satisfaction in body image are more likely to experience greater emotional closeness with their partners, which in turn contributes to higher relationship satisfaction. The results emphasize the crucial role of intimacy in shaping relationship quality and suggest that the impact of body image on relationship satisfaction operates through this emotional bond. Mental health professionals in Malaysia may benefit from incorporating these insights into culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions aimed at improving intimacy and communication in couples facing body image concerns.
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