Predictive Role of Sexual Self-concept in Marital Satisfaction and Sexual Function in Reproductive-aged Women

Sexual self-concept is a cognitive perspective of humans towards their sexual aspects, which reflects their thoughts, feelings, and functions about themselves as sexual creatures and could be a predictor of sexual outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of sexual self-concept about marital satisfaction and sexual function in reproductive-aged women.

This correlational study was conducted on 707 married women (aged 15-49 years) in Sari, North of Iran, in 2016. The subjects were selected by systematic sampling. The data were collected using Snell Multidimensional Sexual Self-concept Questionnaire, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, and Rosen Female Sexual Function Index. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression tests in SPSS software (version 16.0).

The positive domain of sexual self-concept had the maximum mean score (130.38±19.71). In this domain, the maximum score belonged to motivation to avoid risky sex. The negative domain of sexual self-concept (9.10±9.16) had the minimum score, with sexual monitoring having the maximum score. The results of the linear regression model showed that sexual self-concept could predict 43% and 36% variances of marital satisfaction and female sexual function, respectively.

This study facilitates the conceptualization of sexual health issues. Based on the findings, it is recommended to pay attention to the transactional correlation of sexual self-concept with marital satisfaction and sexual function in primary healthcare settings.