What are Iranian married women's rewards? Using interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction: a qualitative study

Abstract

Besides sexual pleasure, the Iranian married women have different reasons for sex. According to Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction in sexual interaction, women give something and get something in return, but what it is that Iranian married women attain? How can we explain their rewards by interpersonal exchange model? Can “values” be called rewards?This study was undertaken to determine Iranian married women's rewards in sex by using the interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction, and with regard to the cultural values among a sample of Iranian married women.Thirty-four participants were recruited through purposive sampling of married women in Tehran; the data collection consisted of semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results are reported in four themes to present the participants' rewards in their sex. The themes consist of (1) meeting the physical needs of the couple; (2) strengthening couple emotional relationships; (3) taking control of life; and (4) values and beliefs governing the sexual relationship.Using a qualitative research, Iranian married women's rewards in sex were determined. Our findings highlight the potential role of cultural values in reducing dissatisfaction with one's sex life.