From secrecy to openness: sexual satisfaction in couples from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Abstract

Research on sexual satisfaction does not always account for religious populations that may only engage in sexual experiences with one partner throughout the lifespan. Scales for assessing sexual satisfaction have been developed from generalized inclusion criteria that do not accurately represent highly religious communities, such as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Latter-Day Saints). Researchers conducted a phenomenological study exploring contributing factors to sexual satisfaction within the Latter-Day Saints community. Twelve heterosexual couples (n = 24) took part in semi-structured interviews centered on sexual satisfaction in their relationships. The results were categorized into 7 themes: individual well-being, consistency, satisfaction with context of the sexual experience, positive perception of partner’s experience, emotional connectedness, overall relationship satisfaction, and openness to sexuality. Special attention was given by participants to the role of openness in sexual satisfaction and the need to transform the cultural notion of secrecy around sexuality. The implications of this study should be considered by mental healthcare professionals working with individual or couple clients identifying as members of the church who report sexual difficulty.

Lay summary

This study is about sexual satisfaction for couples who identify as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Twelve couples participated in in-depth interviews. Researchers identified 7 factors that contribute to sexual satisfaction. This study provides mental healthcare workers with information on how they can help these couples increase sexual satisfaction in their realtionship.

Keywords:

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• religion
• sexual satisfaction
• sexuality

Acknowledgments

We wish to submit an original research article entitled “From Secrecy to Openness: A qualitative Study on Factors Contributing to Sexual Satisfaction in couples from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” for consideration by the journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy. We confirm that this work is original and has not been published elsewhere, nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. We have no conflicts of interest to disclose, and the data has not been fabricated to support our conclusions. Each of the participants in this study completed an informed consent and the study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest pertaining to this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Darrian M. McKiernan

Darrian McKiernan, is a doctoral student in the Marriage & Family Therapy program at Florida State University. She earned her master’s degree in Couple & Family Therapy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her research interests include various aspects of sexuality, with a specific focus on the use of sexual relationship education as a method to prevent sexual abuse.

Kristina Gaspar de Alba Clawson

Kristina Gaspar de Alba-Clawson, is a practicing MFT-Intern in Las Vegas, Nevada. She earned her master’s degree in Couple & Family Therapy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her research interests include the intersection of spirituality and sexuality; specifically as it pertains to conservative Christian populations.

Brandon P. Eddy

Dr. Brandon Eddy, is an assistant professor in the Couple and Family Therapy Program in the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Dr. Eddy’s research interests include the transition to parenthood, perinatal mood disorders, and families with autism spectrum disorder.