Sexual Satisfaction, Relationship Satisfaction, and Quality of Life in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence from Poland

Abstract

Sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with a relationship are important health indicators with regard to a person’s well-being and quality of life. These issues become particularly significant in the case of people suffering from chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The aim of this research was to establish the relations between sexual satisfaction, satisfaction with a relationship, and life satisfaction both generally and in more detailed domains in individuals with type 2 diabetes, compared to individuals without this disease. The research also included testing the mediation role of satisfaction with a relationship in the relation between sexual satisfaction and quality of life. The statistical analysis involved data obtained from a group of 151 subjects including 77 with type 2 diabetes. Methods with recognized psychometric properties were used in the research. The results showed that individuals with diabetes are generally less satisfied with their previous and current life, and they are less satisfied with sexuality and passion, when contrasted with individuals not suffering from the disease. In the group of individuals with diabetes, commitment within a relationship mediated the relations between emotional satisfaction and the sense of control and overall satisfaction with current life, including within the psychological, social, and environmental domains. Relationship commitment also mediated the relations between satisfaction with the physical area and satisfaction with the psychological and social domains.