Financial support: National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Grant numbers 219279, 465145.
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PSYCHOLOGY: The Relationship between Self-Reported Sexual Satisfaction and General Well-Being in Women
Article first published online: 6 OCT 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01406.x
© 2009 International Society for Sexual Medicine
Additional Information
How to Cite
Davison, S. L., Bell, R. J., LaChina, M., Holden, S. L. and Davis, S. R. (2009), ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PSYCHOLOGY: The Relationship between Self-Reported Sexual Satisfaction and General Well-Being in Women. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6: 2690–2697. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01406.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 6 OCT 2009
- Article first published online: 6 OCT 2009
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- Sexual Function;
- Satisfaction;
- Women;
- Well-being;
- Questionnaire;
- Sexual Function in Women
ABSTRACT
Introduction. The extent to which low sexual function or sexual dissatisfaction in women impacts on well-being remains uncertain, yet this is a critical issue in the controversy as to the benefits of pharmacotherapy for women seeking treatment for female sexual dysfunction.
Aim. To explore the relationship between well-being and self-perceived satisfaction with sexual function in women and to determine if there is an independent effect of menopausal status or age.
Design. A community-based cross-sectional study.
Patients. A total of 421 women, aged 18 to 65 years were recruited from the community. Women were required to self-identify at study outset as being either satisfied or dissatisfied with their sexual life and be premenopausal or postmenopausal.
Main Outcome Measures. Scores from the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB), the Beck Depression Index (BDI) and a daily diary of sexual function.
Results. A group of 349 women were included in the analysis. Total PGWB and domain scores of positive well-being and vitality were lower in dissatisfied women compared to satisfied women. PGWB total and domain scores of depressed mood, positive well-being and vitality were higher in older women. Menopause did not have an independent effect on well-being.
Conclusions. Women who self-identify as having sexual dissatisfaction have lower psychological general well-being. These findings reinforce the importance of addressing sexual health and well-being in women as an essential component of their health care. Davison SL, Bell RJ, LaChina M, Holden SL, and Davis SR. The relationship between self-reported sexual satisfaction and general well-being in women. J Sex Med 2009;6:2690–2697.