Global, Relational, and Sexual Motivation: A Test of Hierarchical Versus Heterarchical Effects on Well-Being

Abstract

The quality of sexual motives is an important predictor of sexual well-being. However, how sexual motives are integrated to psychological functioning beyond the sexual domain remains poorly understood. In this study, we used self-determination theory, the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and principles of heterarchical conceptual modeling to investigate motivational antecedents and well-being consequences of autonomous and controlled sexual motivation at three levels of psychological functioning: sexual, relational, and global. University students (N = 853; women = 684, men = 169 men; M age = 19.93, SD = 4.14) completed validated measurement of motivation and well-being at these three levels of psychological functioning. Results revealed that motives for performing everyday behaviors in general (i.e., global motivation) and motives for being in a committed relationship (i.e., relational motivation) predicted the quality of sexual motives. In turn, the quality of sexual motives predicted differences in well-being. Specifically, high autonomous and low controlled sexual motivation were associated with an overall pattern of optimal psychological functioning. Sexual motives predicted global and relational wellbeing beyond the contribution of global and relational motivation. These results reflect a heterarchical structure, in which sexual motives can operate independently from relational processes, as opposed to a hierarchical structure, in which sexual motives fully depend on relational processes to operate. Thus, the quality of sexual motives is associated with broad personality dispositions, relationship processes, and well-being beyond the sexual domain in complex ways. These results help illuminate for whom and when sexual experiences result in benefits or costs to well-being.

The ebb and flow of sexual well-being: The contributions of basic psychological needs and autonomous and controlled sexual motivation to daily variations in sexual well-being

“…These findings converge with those from prior studies suggesting that autonomous sexual motivation may entail benefits for well-being, whereas controlled sexual motivation may entail costs (Boislard-Pépin et al, 2002;Brunell & Webster, 2013;Gravel et al, 2016;Gravel et al, 2017;Vrangalova, 2015). More broadly, these results contribute to a growing body of literature suggesting that the quality of a person's reasons to engage in sexual activities is a critical factor in determining why and when they experience either positive or negative sexual experiences (for a review, see Muise, 2017).…”

“…After all, an association between higher controlled sexual motivation and lower sexual satisfaction does not necessarily entail sexual dissatisfaction. However, given that our study and others suggest that higher scores on negative sexual well-being indicators such as negative sexual affect and sexual distress are associated with higher controlled sexual motivation (Gravel et al, 2016;Gravel et al, 2017), some types of sexual motives may increase unpleasant sexual experiences, and not simply decrease positive ones. We could speculate that over time, daily controlled sexual motivation may deteriorate long-term sexual and relational well-being due to an accumulation of repeated negative sexual experiences.…”

“…Cross-sectional studies suggest a relationship between engaging in sexual activities for autonomous or controlled reasons and individual differences in sexual health and well-being. Higher autonomous sexual motivation is associated with better sexual response, higher sexual satisfaction, and lower sexual distress (Boislard-Pépin et al, 2002; Gravel et al, 2016; Gravel et al, 2017). In contrast, controlled sexual motivation is linked to more problems with sexual response, lower sexual satisfaction, and higher sexual distress (Gravel et al, 2016; Gravel, et al, 2017).…”

“…Higher autonomous sexual motivation is associated with better sexual response, higher sexual satisfaction, and lower sexual distress (Boislard-Pépin et al, 2002; Gravel et al, 2016; Gravel et al, 2017). In contrast, controlled sexual motivation is linked to more problems with sexual response, lower sexual satisfaction, and higher sexual distress (Gravel et al, 2016; Gravel, et al, 2017). Research on women’s sexual submission has also highlighted that lowered sexual autonomy was a mechanism in the association between sexual submissiveness and sexual dissatisfaction (for a review, see Sanchez et al, 2012).…”

What is sexual wellbeing and why does it matter for public health?

“…Data on sexual wellbeing would add new dimensions to community engagement in health issues, address structural determinants of health at local levels, and link local and larger public health policy and practice related to sexual and reproductive health. 69…”