Sexual compatibility and its associated factors among heterosexual couples: a systemic review

Abstract

Despite numerous studies on sexual behaviors, there are limited studies investigating compatibility between two partners. The objective of this study was to review the factors associated with sexual compatibility in couples. A review study was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and through searching for published English and Persian articles on factors associated with sexual compatibility with a time limit up to December 2019. International and Iranian Electronic databases including Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scientific Information Database (SID), Irandoc, and Magiran were searched using search terms relating to “sexual compatibility” and other equivalents. All quantitative and qualitative full-text studies that had addressed associated factors with sexual compatibility were included. Six quantitative articles and one qualitative article were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Sexual compatibility was related to self-awareness, mental body image, personality-psychological maturity, and some sexual behaviors of the subjects. Couples’ sexual companionship was a necessary component for their sexual compatibility. Considering the association of sexual compatibility with variables such as positive self-awareness and mental body image, personality-psychological maturity, sexual behaviors, and sexual companionship, it seems that using these variables can help predict the sexual compatibility of couples.