The Relationship between Perceived Stress and Sexual Function in Men with the Moderating Role of Marital Intimacy: A Descriptive Study

Sexual relationship between couples is an important aspect, with one of its most crucial functions being the creation of intimacy and strengthening emotional relationships between spouses. The present study aimed to determine the moderating role of marital intimacy in the relationship between perceived stress and sexual function of men.

This is a descriptive-correlation study in which structural equation modeling method is used. The statistical population included Iranian married men aged 25 to 45 residing in Tehran and Isfahan Provinces in 2023 who had been living together for at least one year. Among them, a total of 204 individuals were selected using convenience sampling method. In this study, tools such as the Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, Rosen’s Male Sexual Function Questionnaire, and Walker & Thompson’s Intimacy Questionnaire were used. The data was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test and path analysis, and with the use of a moderation model.

The findings indicated a significant negative relationship between perceived stress and sexual function of men (β=-0.45, p<0.001). Additionally, marital intimacy showed a significant positive relationship with sexual function of men (β=0.53, p<0.001). Ultimately, marital intimacy played a moderating role in the relationship between perceived stress and sexual function of men (β=0.31, p<0.001).

Based on the findings of the current research, it can be concluded that perceived stresses have undesirable effects such as reducing sexual function in the relationship between spouses, and considering psychological variables such as marital intimacy can be effective in education and therapy.