A Comparison of Sexual Function, Psychological Status, and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Turkish Men within Polygamous and Monogamous Marriages

Abstract

Background: A limited number of studies within the literature have entailed objective evaluations of psychological, sexual, and emotional features of women within polygamous marriages. However, there is a lack of studies reporting these features among polygamous and monogamous men. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate sociodemographic characteristics, sexual function, and psychological status of polygamously and monogamously married men. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The study sample comprised two groups: 35 polygamous and 45 monogamous men in Kahramanmaraş Province, Turkey. Door-to-door surveys covered sociodemographic factors and adopted Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and International Index of Erectile Function -Erectile Function Domain (IIEF-EFD) scales. Results: Polygamous men showed considerably higher IIEF-EFD scores (p<0.05). While the median score of IIEF-EFD was 25.0 for polygamous men, it was 22.0 for monogamous men. A comparison of the two groups revealed that polygamous men had lower BDI scores. However, the difference between the groups was statistically non-significant (p>0.05). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of monogamous men for erectile dysfunction and depression were 14.4 (95% CI: 3.1-67.5) and 7.4 (95% CI: 0.9-61.9), respectively. The main reasons for multiple marriages reported by polygamous men, in descending order, were: 1) decreased satisfaction of sexual desires by a wife (37.1%); 2) falling in love with the second wife (22.8%); and 3) incompatibility with the first wife (17.1%). However, 62.9% of them responded negatively to the question: "Would you recommend polygamous marriage to other men?" Conclusion: Our results showed that polygamous men had higher erectile function and lower depression scores than monogamous men. Further studies investigating the effects of polygamy on men's psychosexual function are warranted. Additionally, studies that address the perspectives of offspring and women's expectations within polygamous marriages should be conducted.

Prevalence and Pattern of Depression among Women of Polygamous and Monogamous Family Settings in Rural Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria

“…Another study conducted in north-central Nigeria also observed similar pattern where prevalence of depression was higher among women married in polygamous setting than in monogamous setting [20]. The lower prevalence observed in our study among those in polygamous marriages may not be unrelated to the fact that polygamous marriages are highest in the northwest region of Nigeria [21] (47.5%), thus making the women in this part of the country probably better adapted to marriages in polygamous settings than women in Turkey; moreover, polygamous marriage is illegal in Turkey [22], therefore, women who finds themselves in such relationship may likely be more prone to depression.…”

Socio-demographic determinants of intimate partner violence in Angola: a cross-sectional study of nationally representative survey data

“…A union with the first wife which is characterized with some degree of discord may actually form the basis for marrying a second wife Ekerbicer et al. ( 2016 ). Sexual dissatisfaction in the first partnership is another reason for polygamous men to marry a second spouse Ekerbicer et al.…”

“…Sexual dissatisfaction in the first partnership is another reason for polygamous men to marry a second spouse Ekerbicer et al. ( 2016 ) and might at the same time lead to a general feeling of discontent towards the first wife that can turn into physical aggression. In reverse, aggressive males could be more dissatisfied with their sexual activity and might look for a second wife more often than men with non-aggressive behavioral characteristics.…”

“…Furthermore, evidence has shown that having multiple spouses may be linked to increased levels of stress Ekerbicer et al. ( 2016 ) which can be underlying sources of IPV. The first wife remains either due to financial reasons, social factors not allowing divorce or stigma associated with being an unmarried woman Kringelbach ( 2016 ).…”

Experts Consensus on the Items of Sender in Communication of Malaysian Polygamous Muslim Couples Using the Delphi Fuzzy Method

“…Although previous research shows that polygamous marriages have negative effects, there are some studies that have found that polygamy has positive effects on families such as happiness (Thobejane & Flora, 2014), increasing the birth rate due to competition between spouses for childbirth because they believe their husbands love many children (Rossi, 2019) and reduce divorce (Gumani & Sodi, 2009;Khasawneh et al, 2011). In addition, a study conducted by Ekerbiçer et al (2016) found that polygamy was recognized to have a positive effect on men. Men who practice polygamy are less likely to suffer from depression than men who practice monogamy.…”