Gender differences in the association between sexual satisfaction and quality of life

Abstract

Sexual satisfaction (SS) may be an important predictor of broader quality of life (QOL; e.g. life satisfaction, etc.). However, past studies have rarely examined moderating variables of this association. The current study examined gender differences in the association between QOL and satisfaction with both intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of sex (e.g. one’s physical pleasure vs. quality of emotional connection with a partner). 188 adults completed measures of SS and QOL. SS was moderately correlated with a range of QOL outcomes. Satisfaction with intrapersonal aspects of sex was generally a stronger predictor of QOL for men whereas satisfaction with interpersonal factors was sometimes more predictive of QOL in women. Implications regarding the broader impact of sexual well-being are discussed.

Lay Summary:

Men and women may differ regarding how sexual satisfaction is associated with quality of life. Satisfaction regarding internal components of sex like physical pleasure may most important for men, while satisfaction with interpersonal components of sex like emotional connection may be most important to women.

Keywords:

• Sexual satisfaction
• Quality of Life
• gender differences
• gender issues
• sexual psychology

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Phil Doherty, Ross Enlow, and Whitney Widrig for help with data collection and cleaning.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by an award from the iHuman Science initiative at Willamette University.

Notes on contributors

Kyle R. Stephenson

Kyle Stephenson is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at Xavier University. His research interests include sexual well-being and dysfunction, Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Therapies, romantic relationships, and trauma/PTSD.

Camryn Pickworth

Camryn Pickworth graduated from Willamette University in 2021 with a BS in Civic Communication & Media and a minor in Psychology. Her research interests include relationships and sexuality, especially as it pertains to the well-being of couples.

Parker S. Jones

Parker Jones is currently an undergraduate student at Willamette University majoring in Studio Art and Psychology. His research interests lie in clinical psychology broadly.