Prediction of Sexual Function in Married Women Based on Sexual Attitudes: The Mediating Role of Sexual Self-Esteem

Khadijeh  Saheb; Omid  Moradi; Mokhtar  Arefi

Authors

Khadijeh Saheb PhD student, Department of Family and Counseling, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University,Sanandaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8519-9626
Omid Moradi Department of Family and Counseling, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2761-4224
Mokhtar Arefi Department of Family and Counseling, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1844-1926

Keywords:

sexual function, sexual attitudes, sexual self, esteem, married women

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a structural model of sexual function in married women based on sexual attitudes, with sexual self-esteem as a mediating variable. This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all married women residing in Kermanshah, Iran. Of this population, 251 women were selected through convenience sampling, with the required sample size determined using G*Power software. Data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; Rosen et al.), the Sexual Attitudes Questionnaire (Ozgoli et al.), and the Sexual Self-Esteem Questionnaire (Farrokhi et al.). Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS software. The findings indicated that the direct effects of sexual attitudes (β = −0.516, p < .01) and sexual self-esteem (β = 0.327, p < .01) on sexual function were statistically significant. Examination of the indirect effects also indicated a significant mediating effect in the relationship between sexual attitudes and sexual function (β = 0.182, p < .01). Sexual self-esteem mediated the relationship between sexual attitudes and sexual function (β = −0.086, p < .01); however, its mediating role in relation to sexual function was not statistically significant. The results further suggest that sexual function among married women is more strongly associated with sexual attitudes and sexual self-esteem than with individual factors directly. Accordingly, the development of intervention packages and programs focusing on the cognitive restructuring of sexual attitudes and the enhancement of emotional bonds between couples is recommended.

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