The mediating role of sexual assertiveness in the relationship between sexual self-esteem and sexual satisfaction in young Dutch women
Summary
Sexual satisfaction is related to factors contributing to general well-being in women. Since about half of all women are not fully sexually satisfied, it is useful to determine predictors of sexual satisfaction. Therefore, this study investigated the relationships between sexual self-esteem, sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction. A total of 153 Dutch women aged 18 to 30, who filled out the Sexual Esteem Scale, Hurlbert Index of Sexual Assertiveness and Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, were analysed. Results showed that higher sexual self-esteem was linked to higher sexual satisfaction and that sexual assertiveness mediated this relationship. This suggests that high sexual self-esteem may activate sexual assertiveness, which, in turn, leads to higher sexual satisfaction. Implementing these findings in the mental health care field may benefit young women in both primary and secondary interventions.