The importance of psychosexual variables in the sexual functioning in sexually active adults

Abstract

Introduction

Sexuality is a very important human dimension which contributes to psychosocial well-being and psychosexual variables, such as sexual self-esteem, sexual anxiety and sexual depression, can affect sexual functioning; however, there are few studies that demonstrate this relationship.

Objectives

To assess the psychosexual variables and sexual performance levels in a sample of adults, and verify and determine the degree of association between sexual functioning and self-esteem, anxiety and sexual depression.

Methods

The study included 422 adults that were sexually active (who had sex in the previous month); 265 (62.8%) were women and 149 (35.3%) were men, who filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and scales related to sexuality and sexual functioning, Sexuality Scale and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire Short Form (CSFQ 14), broadcast over the internet.

Results

The results obtained allowed to know the relationships between the variables and psychosexual sexual functioning, and was statistically significant correlation between the two dimensions and significant differences between the correlation when comparing gender and sexual orientation.

Discussion and conclusions

This study allows us to highlight the importance of psychosexual variables in sexual functionality expression, in the sense that those working in the area of sexuality should be aware of how the human psyche interferes with sexual manifestation.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.