Associations of Individual and Dyadic Aspects of Sexual Self-Esteem with Sexual Function Problems in Mixed-Sex Couples

Abstract

Sexual function problems are prevalent in both women and men and are linked to individual and dyadic factors. While the connection between sexual self-esteem and sexual function problems is well-established, the combined influence of individual and relational aspects of sexual self-esteem on sexual function problems in couples is not yet understood. This study investigated whether individual or dyadic factors of sexual self-esteem show stronger associations with sexual function problems in a non-clinical sample. Data from 310 mixed-sex couples that participated in a cross-sectional online study were analyzed using actor-partner interdependence models (APIM). Results revealed that higher common sexual self-esteem, but not individual sexual self-esteem or partner’s influence on own sexual self-esteem, was significantly associated with men’s and women’s better sexual function. This indicates that dyadic factors showed stronger associations with sexual function compared to individual factors of sexual self-esteem. No gender differences were found in the strength of associations. Additionally, sexual self-esteem aspects were associated with specific subscales of sexual function problems (i.e. arousal, desire, orgasm, and satisfaction). The results suggest that common sexual self-esteem might be an effective target for the treatment of sexual function problems and that clinicians should adopt a dyadic perspective.