Sexual satisfaction and oversexualization among adults. The moderating role of self-esteem

Abstract

BackgroundIn the contemporary world, there is excessive creation and exposure of one’s own sexuality among adults. Taking this into account, the determinants of sexualization are being sought. The aim of this research was to assess the significance of se-lected demographic variables and the number of sexual partners, as well as psychological variables (self-esteem and sexual satisfaction) for revealing behaviours related to over-sexualization. We also investigated whether self-esteem can moderate the relationship between sexual satisfaction and over-sexualization.Participants and procedureSeven hundred persons, including 403 women (298 heterosexual and 105 gay) and 297 men (199 heterosexual and 98 gay) were surveyed. The respondents were aged from 18 to 45 years (M = 22.90, SD = 4.62). In the study the following tools were used: the Oversexualization Questionnaire, the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Self-Esteem Scale.ResultsIt was found that sexualized appearance was more important for homosexual persons than heterosexual ones and seduction differentiated women and men and was correlated with the age and the number of sexual partners. Oversexualization demonstrated in appearance and message contents was correlated with low self-esteem and low sexual satisfaction. Low self-esteem was found to be a significant moderator in the relationship between sexual satisfaction and sexualized appearance.ConclusionsThe present study indicates the importance of self-esteem and sexual satisfaction for sexualized appearance. Low self-esteem moderates the relationship between sexual satisfaction and sexualized appearance.