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. 2024 Jun 11;37(1):21.
doi: 10.1186/s41155-024-00303-4.

The role of sexual self-esteem, sexual desire, and sexual assertiveness in the female sexual function

Shokoufeh Roshan Chesli  1 , Zahra Bostani Khalesi  2 , Sara Shirzad Chenari  1
Affiliations

The role of sexual self-esteem, sexual desire, and sexual assertiveness in the female sexual function

Shokoufeh Roshan Chesli et al. Psicol Reflex Crit. .

Abstract

Background: Sexual function plays a very important role in the sexual health of people, and the determination of their related factors reflects the importance of paying attention to sexual function in the cultural context.

Objective: The present study aimed to the role of sexual self-esteem, sexual desire, and sexual assertiveness in the female sexual function.

Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 592 married women of reproductive age referring to comprehensive health centers in Rasht city (North of Iran) and eligible for the inclusion criteria were selected by cluster random sampling. The data collection tools were demographic information form, Halbert's Sexual Rights Questionnaires, Women's Sexual Self-Esteem (short form), Halbert's Sexual Desire, and Female Sexual Function Index. Data analysis was done with descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significant level (p < 0.05).

Results: The mean and standard deviation of sexual assertiveness, sexual desire, and sexual self-esteem scores were 56.79 ± 18.24, 49.12 ± 26.04, and 98.52 ± 6.11, respectively. Sexual assertiveness (p < 0.01, r = 0.13), sexual desire (p < 0.001, r = 0.178), sexual self-esteem (p < 0.01, r = 0.34) of the participants with the total score, and all areas of female sexual function had a significant positive correlation.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, there is a direct and statistically significant relationship between sexual assertiveness, sexual desire, the adaptability of sexual self-esteem, and family income with sexual function in participants. However, the unemployment of the spouse had a negative effect on the female sexual function.

Keywords: Sexual assertiveness; Sexual desire; Sexual function; Sexual self-esteem.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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