Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction in Women: A Systematic Review

Rausch, Diana; Rettenberger, Martin

doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.01.001

Cited by 34 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 96 publications

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“…It seems, as presented in Rausch and Rettenberger's recent paper, that partner-related factors might play a major role [34]. Similarly, the use of erotic material [34], the importance of sexual acts [35] in a positive way and anxiety in a negative way [36] were also reported to be influential by other authors. Undoubtedly, hormonal contraceptives might influence some aspects of sexuality, such as the perception of partner attractiveness, thus modifying sexual receptivity or changing the concentration of oxytocin during the sexual cycle [1,37].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…However, some other factors were important in predicting sexual function and the risk of dysfunction, namely, anxiety level, watching erotic videos, the importance of sex, and the partners’ attitude toward sex. It seems, as presented in Rausch and Rettenberger’s recent paper, that partner-related factors might play a major role [ 34 ]. Similarly, the use of erotic material [ 34 ], the importance of sexual acts [ 35 ] in a positive way and anxiety in a negative way [ 36 ] were also reported to be influential by other authors.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It seems, as presented in Rausch and Rettenberger’s recent paper, that partner-related factors might play a major role [ 34 ]. Similarly, the use of erotic material [ 34 ], the importance of sexual acts [ 35 ] in a positive way and anxiety in a negative way [ 36 ] were also reported to be influential by other authors.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Do oral combined contraceptive pills modify body image and sexual function?

Nowosielski

2022

Reprod Biol Endocrinol

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Background The effect of hormonal contraceptives on sexual function and body image is still controversial. Existing studies have not come to definite conclusions on the association between hormonal contraceptive use and sexual function/presence of sexual dysfunction or changes in body image perception. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sexual problems/dysfunction in Polish women of reproductive age (18–45 years) and to assess to what extent oral combined contraceptive pills (OCCP) impact body image, sexual function and the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Methods A total of 495 women were included in this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Sexual function was assessed by the Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ), the prevalence of FSD was assessed by DSM-5 criteria, and body image was assessed by the Body Exposure during Sexual Activity Questionnaire (BESAQ). A total of 237 women using OCCP were the study group (HC), and the rest were controls (CG). A regression model was used to evaluate the influence of the selected variables on sexual function and the presence of FSD. Results The prevalence of FSD was 7.5% in HC and 2.6% in CG, and 22% compared to 14% of women in HC and CG, respectively, reported sexual problems (CSFQ). The demographic characteristics of those using other contraception methods or not using any contraception (control group) were similar. The contraceptive group was characterized by significantly higher importance of sex (4.03 vs. 3.79), worse partner’s attitude toward sex (4.35 vs. 4.47), worse self-attitude toward sex (4.35 vs. 4.47), and worse body image (BESAQ) compared to controls. Among all of the variables, a lower level of anxiety (t = -1.99), positive attitudes toward sex (t = 2.05), watching erotic videos (t = 5.58) and a higher importance of sex (t = 5.66) were predictive of better sexual function (R2–0.38, F = 28.9, p = 0.0001). Conclusion Sexual behaviors and function are different in those using OCCP compared to nonusers. The prevalence of sexual problems and dysfunction was higher in those using this hormonal method of contraception; however, using OCCP was not a risk factor for either worse sexual function or sexual dysfunction. Partners’ attitudes toward sex and general anxiety level were factors contributing to sexual function and the risk of sexual dysfunction in the population of women of reproductive age and should be routinely evaluated in clinical practice, especially before prescribing hormonal contraceptives.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Do oral combined contraceptive pills modify body image and sexual function?

Nowosielski

2022

Reprod Biol Endocrinol

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“…The final solution included 10 items for the factor SSE for promotive actions, such as the perceived confidence in freely and safely communicating on diverse aspects, innovating and being creative, practicing and enjoying oral sex, using fantasies; initiating sexual relations, and participating proactively in making sex more satisfying. All these contents relate to women's sexual satisfaction and health (e.g., Mallory, 2022;Rausch & Rettenberger, 2021). The complementary factor, SSE for preventive actions, includes items about the perceived efficacy for discussing with the partner(s) and engaging in actions intended to prevent STDs or unwanted pregnancy, but also about the perseverance in these behaviors, inquiring about seeking information to effectively use contraceptive methods, condom negotiation with partner(s), or rejecting unprotected or unwanted sexual approaches (e.g., Casey et al, 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From Prevention to Promotion in Women’s Sexual Self-Perceptions of Efficacy: The Sexual Self-Efficacy Questionnaire

2023

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Introduction Available sexual self-efficacy (SSE) measures are mostly focused on self-perceptions of efficacy regarding engaging in specific preventive sexual behaviors, and do not include beliefs and expectations regarding behaviors aimed at achieving a more agentic and pleasurable sexual health in positive terms, nor do they consider the varied sexual orientations or relationship options. Methods This self-report-based, cross-sectional study sought to validate a new instrument to assess SSE for both preventive and health promotion sexual behaviors: the Sexual Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ), among a non-probabilistic sample of 1080 women aged 18–50 years old. Data were gathered from January 2015 to December 2021. For validation purposes, reliability, factorial structure, and convergent construct validity with other well-known instruments measuring SSE were analyzed. Results Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a bifactorial structure of the SSEQ, with 10 items in the factor SSE for health-promotive actions and 10 items in the factor SSE for preventive actions. Furthermore, the SSEQ showed good reliability and convergent validity. Conclusions Our findings support the use of the SSEQ as an alternative tool with appropriate psychometric characteristics that assesses cognitions related to achieving a healthier sexuality through the performance of preventive behaviors aimed at avoiding potentially negative outcomes and those promotive actions leading to more gratifying consequences for women. Policy Implications The SSEQ can be used in research, educative, and clinical contexts to develop interventions to improve women’s behavioral competences and perceived confidence in their skills to achieve a healthier and more pleasurable and agentic sexuality.

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“…Sexuality Importance correlated with all ISS, NSSS-S and FSFI, as well as with all the variables of the SSCI. This result was expected, since if a woman has a great interest in having a healthy, active and fulfilling sexuality, she would probably be more likely involved in enhancing her pleasure and satisfaction, maybe developing a greater frequency and variety of behaviors, both factors related with SS [ 30 , 52 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Going beyond “With a Partner” and “Intercourse”: Does Anything Else Influence Sexual Satisfaction among Women? The Sexual Satisfaction Comprehensive Index

Ogallar-Blanco

Moreno

Godoy-Izquierdo

2022

IJERPH

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The validated tools for measuring sexual satisfaction (SS) assess in fact other phenomena such as sexual functioning, assess SS within the context of a romantic heterosexual relationship and intercourse-type activity or were designed to be applied only in therapeutic or rehabilitation contexts. Consequently, they offer an incomplete understanding of SS, particularly among women. We thus developed an alternative measure of SS, the Sexual Satisfaction Comprehensive Index (SSCI), considering both the individual and with-a-partner dimensions, as well as the actual and desired experiences of satisfaction, along with other dimensions affecting SS, and explored its psychometric properties. A total of 1080 young to mid-aged women with different sociodemographic, relationship and sexual identity backgrounds voluntarily completed several measures of SS, including the SSCI. Results showed that the SSCI is a reliable measure for assessing SS. An exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the latent multidimensional structure of the SSCI, supporting its factorial validity. In addition, the SSCI showed appropriate convergent validity with other measures commonly used to assess SS. In sum, the SSCI was revealed to be a useful multidimensional index of SS for research and practice contexts which allows the practitioner or the researcher to make decisions on which dimension(s) are to be evaluated. This study focused on women’s SS, and future research with other gender, sexual and cultural identities is necessary to support its utility in multi-identity and multi-sexuality scenarios.

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Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction in Women: A Systematic Review

Cited by 34 publications

References 96 publications

Do oral combined contraceptive pills modify body image and sexual function?

Do oral combined contraceptive pills modify body image and sexual function?

From Prevention to Promotion in Women’s Sexual Self-Perceptions of Efficacy: The Sexual Self-Efficacy Questionnaire

Going beyond “With a Partner” and “Intercourse”: Does Anything Else Influence Sexual Satisfaction among Women? The Sexual Satisfaction Comprehensive Index

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