“Feeling It”: Links between elements of compassion and sexual well-being

Abstract

IntroductionCompassion may be a particularly important component of a sexual relationship as it facilitates needed self-awareness, understanding, and connection to frame deeply intimate expressions of sexual emotion and vulnerability. Given the lack of research on how broad concepts of compassionate elements may be linked to sexual well-being, we examine how mindfulness (an ability to maintain awareness in the present moment), compassionate relational attitudes (i.e., accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement), and compassionate relational behaviors (i.e., forgiveness and gratitude), are linked to sexual well-being (sexual harmony, orgasm consistency, and sexual frequency), and sexual mindfulness (a state of being mindful during sex) for oneself and one’s partner.MethodsWe constructed an actor partner structural equation model with newly married couples (n = 2,111) and regressed sexual outcomes at time 1 and time 2 on each partner’s compassionate attitudes, behaviors and mindfulness reported at time 1.ResultsResults showed that cross-sectionally, nearly all elements of one’s compassion related to one’s own sexual well-being for both partners. Strongest paths included positive significant relations for women between mindfulness and non-judgment and from compassionate relational attitudes and behaviors to sexual harmony. Men’s compassionate behaviors were positively related to their own sexual awareness. Perhaps more importantly, women’s and men’s compassionate behaviors had significant effects on their partner’s sexual well-being longitudinally.DiscussionImplications include an emphasis on compassion as a key mechanism that can increase sexual satisfaction and strengthen relationships, particularly in the critical time of early marriage where patterns of interconnectedness are being established.

Measurement invariance of the short form compassionate love scale for a romantic partner and sexuality

“…The positive association between the CLS-P-SF score and satisfaction with sex life is consistent with previous research (Neto, 2012b;Neto & Wilks, 2017). This finding is also consonant with work indicating that females' and males' compassionate attitudes and behaviors had significant effects on their partner's sexual well-being (Fraser et al, 2023). These positive associations between CLS-P-SF scores, and sexual desire and satisfaction with sex life supported our fourth hypothesis.…”

“…Satisfaction with sex life represents a relevant correlate of well-being (Hatfield et al, 2020; Mark et al, 2014). Fraser et al (2023) examined the links between relational compassion and comprehensive measures of sexual well-being. These scholars showed that relational compassion may be a key facilitator of sexual well-being.…”

Mindfulness networks: Analyzing associations with self‐compassion, other‐compassion, need fulfillment, and satisfaction in midlife married Canadians

“…Likewise, studies considering the role of compassion in relationships are limited (and recent), generally finding compassion to be associated with relationship outcomes like marital quality (McDonald et al, 2020). In terms of sexuality, results from prior research have suggested links between higher compassionate relational attitudes and increased sexual satisfaction and orgasm consistency (Fraser et al, 2023). However, Fraser et al (2023) conceptualized and measured compassion as attitudes and behaviors (separately), like forgiveness.…”

“…In terms of sexuality, results from prior research have suggested links between higher compassionate relational attitudes and increased sexual satisfaction and orgasm consistency (Fraser et al, 2023). However, Fraser et al (2023) conceptualized and measured compassion as attitudes and behaviors (separately), like forgiveness. Although these are strong proxies for compassionate attitudes and behaviors respectively, this conceptualization of compassionate behaviors is distinct from compassion as a psychological trait.…”

Mindfulness and Relationships: A Special Issue on Recent Developments

“…A prerequisite to communicating effectively about inner feelings is that one is actually aware of them (Burgoon et al, 2000). In an intimate relationship, paying attention benefits relational and sexual outcomes (Leavitt, Maurer, et al, 2021; Fraser et al, 2022; Busby et al, 2022). These are just a few examples of how paying attention may play an important role in the quality of close relationships.…”