The sexual wholeness model: An initial evaluation with two samples

Abstract

Based upon the psychological needs delimited in self‐determination theory, we created the sexual wholeness model to encapsulate the different dimensions (physical, emotional, and meaning) that create couple sexuality. We evaluated the model with data from two national samples (Sample 1, n = 610; Sample 2, n = 884), by examining the association between sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction, and attachment with the different elements of the sexual wholeness model using harmonious sexual passion as an intermediate variable. The emotional dimension had the strongest associations in both samples with harmonious sexual passion and all other outcomes except attachment. The physical dimension of sexuality had a surprisingly strong association with attachment and sexual satisfaction. In addition, couples' self‐evaluation of the degree of sexual wholeness in their relationship was strongly associated with harmonious passion and all other outcomes, providing another level of validity to the dimensions of the model and the potential utility for using this model to assist in couple therapy.

Latent profiles of sleep quality, financial management behaviors, and sexual satisfaction in emerging adult newlywed couples and longitudinal connections with marital satisfaction

“…These results further implicate the importance of helping different-sex, emerging adult clients in new marriages be intentional in their sexual relationship. To help these clients who often struggle with their sexual relationship ( Risch et al, 2003 ), in addition to using other established therapeutic models, clinicians might consider using the sexual wholeness model ( Busby et al, 2022 ). Using this model, clinicians might assist couples in developing a refined perspective of their sexual relationship (i.e., one that emphasizes the physical, emotional, and meaning-making aspects of couple sexuality).…”

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.…”

Is the association of sexual quality with relationship satisfaction really stronger when the sexual relationship is functioning poorly?

“…While there is no data yet to support or refute this clinical assumption, there is accumulating evidence that sexuality is consistently associated with relationship satisfaction and other outcomes in important ways (Busby, Hanna‐Walker, et al, 2022; Flynn et al, 2016; McNulty et al, 2016, 2019). In addition, the data that is longitudinal shows that the directionality is often from sexual satisfaction to relationship satisfaction rather than the other way around (Flynn et al, 2016; McNulty et al, 2016, 2019).…”