Ecological Models of Sexual Satisfaction among Lesbian/Bisexual and Heterosexual Women

Abstract

Sexual satisfaction is an integral component of sexual health and well-being, yet we know little about which factors contribute to it among lesbian/bisexual women. To examine a proposed ecological model of sexual satisfaction, we conducted an internet survey of married heterosexual women and lesbian/bisexual women in committed same-sex relationships. Structural equation modeling included five final latent variables for heterosexual women and seven final latent variables for lesbian/bisexual women. Overall, results indicated that, for both groups of women, a similar constellation of factors (depressive symptoms, relationship satisfaction, sexual functioning, and social support) was related to sexual satisfaction. In lesbian/bisexual women, internalized homophobia was an additional factor. Contrary to expectations, the presence of children in the home and a history of childhood sexual abuse did not contribute significantly to the model for either group. Findings support the idea that gender socialization may influence sexual satisfaction more than socialization around sexual orientation. Additionally, given that for both groups of women relationship satisfaction explained a substantial amount of variance in sexual satisfaction, sexual concerns may be better addressed at the relationship than the individual level.

Relationships Between Body Image, Body Composition, Sexual Functioning, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Heterosexual Young Adults

“…Body image-related constructs (e.g., body shame, inaccurate weight perceptions, lower ratings of attractiveness) have been associated with increased sexual risk-taking (Akers et al, 2009;Littleton, Radecki-Breitkof, & Berenson, 2005), lower sexual selfesteem (Calogero & Thompson, 2009), lower frequency of sexual behavior (Faith & Share, 1993), decreased sexual desire (Koch, Mansfield, Thurau, & Carey, 2005), and sexual dysfunction overall (Nobre & Pinto-Gouveia, 2006). Given that sexual satisfaction is associated with better overall health, well-being, and quality of life (Gallicchio et al, 2007;Henderson, Lahavot, & Simoni, 2009;Laumann, Paik, & Rosen, 1999), and relationship functioning and stability (Sprecher, 2002;Stephenson & Meston, 2010), research assessing body image-related predictors and correlates of sexual satisfaction could have important implications for overall health and wellbeing. The body of research on body image and sexual satisfaction provides strong evidence for assessing multiple domains of body image and for considering the ways in which more global measures of body image might influence body image concerns during a sexual encounter.…”

Guidance for Reviewers: Observations After a Year as Editor

“…This was unexpected for several reasons. Prior research indicates lesbians are more likely to report greater levels of passion and sexual sat isfaction (Biss & Horne, 2004;Henderson et al, 2009;Iasenza, 2002). A possible explanation for this finding could result from the demographic information of our sample.…”

“…Because lesbians are more sexually assertive, arousable, and comfortable using erotic language with a partner, Iasenza (2002) suggests that they may report higher levels of sexual satisfaction than heterosexual women. Additionally, greater sexual satisfaction may be reported by lesbians than heterosexual women because there are more flexible gender roles in the queer community (Henderson et al, 2009).…”

Components of Love and Relationship Satisfaction: Lesbians and Heterosexual Women

“…When looking at sexual satisfaction in lesbian couples, internalized homophobia has not been found to be a significant predictor of sexual satisfaction (Biss & Horne, 2004;Henderson et al, 2009). Lesbians are sexually expressive regardless of internal attitudes about homosexuality.…”