Socialized sexual values and meanings ascribed to sex as predictors of the experience of sex: A theoretical model

Abstract

AbstractThis paper proposes a midrange model based on symbolic interactionism that identifies potential predictors of the experience of sex. Symbolic interactionism is a sociological framework which focuses on how individuals construct shared meanings for objects and events through repeated interactions. Regarding sexual behavior, meanings are typically socialized through repeated interactions with parents and significant others in one's life. These meanings can therefore vary from person to person and individuals may have different meanings as a result of their gender, as well as for sexual behavior within diverse types of sexual relationships. Individuals who have meanings and values that are discrepant with their behavior may have more negative sexual experiences than individuals whose meanings, values, and behavior are more congruent. The symbolic interactionism framework and its concepts are presented and explained, and empirical findings which support the proposed associations are then presented. Limitations and implications of the model are also discussed.