Individual, Relational, and Sociocultural Determinants of Sexual Function and Sexual Satisfaction in Ecuador

Abstract

Aim: Various individual, relational, and sociocultural variables have been identified as determinants of sexual responding, but these have rarely been investigated in non-Western cultures that are characterized by sexual conservatism. We aimed to explore the role of socioeconomic status and religion, sexual double standards, erotophobia-erotophilia, sexual dysfunctional beliefs, and relationship satisfaction to explain sexual function and satisfaction in Ecuador. Method: 599 participants (431 women and 159 men) completed an online survey.

Women’s Sexual Health During the Pandemic of COVID-19: Declines in Sexual Function and Sexual Pleasure

“…Decreases in sexual satisfaction affected more women and were related with more negative sexual cognitions and less positive sexual emotions. Increases in digital sex use contributed to minimizing the likelihood of negative sexual emotions Gul [ 38 ] Turkey Quantitative June–July 2020 65 women 51 men Mdn = 33; [ 18 – 65 ] Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale [ 81 ] Sexual dysfunction increased compared to pre-pandemic, but this was non-significant Hidalgo & Dewitte [ 55 ] Ecuador Quantitative - 431 women 159 men 26.5 ± 6.84; [ 18 – 58 ] Brief Sexual Opinion Survey [ 82 ];Sexual Double Standards Scale [ 83 ]; Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire [ 84 ]; New Sexual Satisfaction Scale [ 85 ]; FSFI [ 26 ]; IIEF [ 77 ] Women’s sexual dysfunction was predicted by lower sexual and relationship satisfaction, sexual dysfunctional beliefs, and sexual double standards. Markers of sexual conservatism and sexual double standards were inversely related to sexual function and satisfaction, mainly in women Hille et al [ 58 ] Germany, Switzerland, and Austria Quantitative April 9–April 20, 2020 2515 (47.4% women) Mdn 31–40; [18+ Ad hoc questionnaire, Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory [ 86 ], Questionnaire of Sexual Experience in Close Relationships Both partnered and single participants reported declines in most sexual activities during the physical distancing measures.…”

“…Declines in women’s sexual function and sexual satisfaction during the pandemic were associated with lower psychological adjustment [ 28 ], higher anxiety and depression [ 30 ], additional worry and stress [ 54 ], more negative sexual cognitions and less positive sexual emotions [ 37 ], and with sexual conservatism and sexual double standards [ 55 ]. Increases in sexual function and frequency were related with higher boredom, lower stress [ 27 , 54 ], lower anxiety, and with lower depression [ 43 ].…”

“…Studies also show that relationship satisfaction was correlated with sexual satisfaction [ 46 , 55 ] and inversely correlated with sexual dysfunction in women during this period [ 39 , 43 ]. As for relationship conflict, this was related with having less sexual activity [ 40 ], and corona-related conflict in particular accounted for lower frequency of both solo and partnered sexual behaviors [ 60 ].…”

“…Research found negative relationships between some individual aspects and sexual function, such as age, level of stress, anxiety, and depression, and negative sexual cognitions and emotions [ 28 , 30 , 37 , 43 , 55 ]. These do not appear to be pandemic specific, considering that previous research has established that anxiety and depression and their treatments contribute to higher rates of sexual dysfunction [ 61 , 62 ].…”

“…Yet, this review did not focus on sexual violence. Additionally, this review found that women living with their partners and having more free time and better opportunities for partnered quality time [ 30 , 54 ], or women having higher relationship satisfaction, felt more sexually satisfied [ 46 , 55 ] and had less sexual dysfunction [ 39 , 43 ]. On the other hand, those experiencing conflict in their relationship had sex less often [ 40 , 60 ].…”