Sexual Satisfaction and Cognitive Schemas Activated in a Sexual Context among Iranian Married Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between sexual satisfaction (SS) and cognitive schemas activated in sexual context. In a cross-sectional study, the participants comprised 313 Iranian married women (mean age of 36.7 years and mean marriage duration of 12.4 years). Data were collected utilizing an online survey comprising the Index of Sexual Satisfaction, the Cognitive Schema Activated in Sexual Context Questionnaire, and a number of sociodemographic questions. A linear regression model utilizing the stepwise method was performed. The mean score of cognitive schemas relating to sexual problems was 35.56 (out of 140; SD = 14.68) with the highest mean in the Difference/Loneliness subscale (higher scores indicating greater negative schema activation). The mean score of sexual satisfaction on the ISS was 96.80 (out of 125; SD = 16.77). The highest scores of cognitive schemas relating to sexual problems were observed among individuals with low sexual satisfaction. Based on a multivariable linear regression model, age (β = 0.33), spouse social support (β = 0.23), and spouse job (β = 0.21) had the highest regression coefficients in relation to sexual satisfaction among Iranian married women. Cognitive schemas activated in a sexual context were strongly and significantly associated with sexual satisfaction among Iranian married women of reproductive age. The findings suggest that schema therapy techniques be used alongside initiatives to promote spouse social support to help prevent problematic sexual cognitive schemas.

Acknowledgment

We appreciate the great contribution of participants.

Disclosure statement

There is no conflict of interest to be declared.

Funding

This study was financially supported by the Vice-chancellor (Research) of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. The funding body had no role in the design of the study, collection, analysis, interpretation of data and writing the manuscript.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financially supported by the Vice-chancellor (Research) of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. The funding body had no role in the design of the study, collection, analysis, interpretation of data and writing the manuscript.