Researchers at the University of Granada analysed the relation between sexual satisfaction and sociodemographic variables (sex, age, sexual orientation and education level), indicators of health (physical and psychological) and interpersonal variables (relationship satisfaction, type of relationship, number of sexual partners and length of relationship)
The study involved 2024 men (50.1%) and women (49.9%), both heterosexuals (92.7%) and homosexuals (7.3%), aged 18-80
A study conducted by the University of Granada has shown that people who are in good physical and psychological health, and those who affirm they are satisfied with the relationship with their partner, have a higher level of sexual satisfaction.
The study–published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy–set out to examine levels of sexual satisfaction and analyse the relation between sociodemographic variables (sex, age, sexual orientation and education level), indicators of health (physical and psychological) and interpersonal variables (relationship satisfaction, type of relationship, number of sexual partners and length of relationship) and sexual satisfaction.
Using a quota sampling method, the University of Granada researchers, from the Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, selected a total of 2024 participants (50.1% men and 49.9% women), 92.7% heterosexual and 7.3% homosexual, aged between 18 and 80 years. All of them had been in a sexually active relationship with a partner for at least six months and had Spanish citizenship.
The participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Spanish versions of the following instruments: Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, Global Measure of Relationship Satisfaction, Short Form-36 Health Survey, Symptom Assessment-45 Questionnaire.
From the results obtained, the researchers found no statistically significant differences in levels of sexual satisfaction as a function of sex or sexual orientation.
“Generally, older age, low education level, more psychopathologic symptoms and greater length of the relationship associated with a lower level of sexual satisfaction, whereas a better state of physical health and greater satisfaction with the relationship associated with a higher level of sexual satisfaction”, says María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes, one of the authors.
Finally, the researchers examined the predictive variables using a regression model. In the heterosexual sample, 55% of variance in sexual satisfaction was predicted by vitality, depression, satisfaction with the relationship, length of the relationship and type of relationship.
Among homosexual individuals, 44% of variance in sexual satisfaction was predicted by bodily pain and satisfaction with the relationship. “This descriptive study shows that sociodemographic and health variables, as well as those derived from the relationship with the partner, are associated with sexual satisfaction”, says Sánchez-Fuentes.
However, the authors warn that the results of this study cannot be extrapolated to the Spanish population as a whole. Although the sample population was wide-ranging, the sampling method was non-probabilistic. Moreover, the participants had a high education level and were mainly people with a high level of sexual satisfaction.
In the light of this study, the researchers have identified the need for future studies in which sexual satisfaction should be analysed using theoretical models oriented specifically to the study and understanding of sexual satisfaction.
Reference:
Sexual satisfaction in a heterosexual and homosexual Spanish sample: the role of socio-demographic characteristics, health indicators, and relational factors
María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes & Juan Carlos Sierra
Sexual and Relationship Therapy
Pages 226-242. Volume 30, Issue 2, 2015
DOI:10.1080/14681994.2014.978275
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Contact details:
María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes
Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment University of Granada
Cellphone: +34 620 025 108
E-mail address: mmsanchez@ugr.es
