Sexual Self-efficacy Research Articles

Predicting Family Stability Based on Emotion Regulation and Sexual Self-Efficacy: The Mediating Role of Marital Intimacy

Background: Consolidating families is a crucial strategy that can enhance and ultimately solidify marital relationships. Factors such as emotions, personality traits, and interpersonal intimacy significantly influence family stability, contributing to mental health promotion and overall societal happiness. Thus, this study aims to predict family stability through emotional regulation and sexual self-efficacy while examining the mediating role of marital intimacy. Methods: This descriptive-correlational research targeted all married individuals in Yazd City (with a minimum of five years marriage) in 2022. A total of 200 participants were selected using convenience sampling methods. The study employed questionnaires assessing family stability(Low scores in the family stability questionnaire indicate greater stability), sexual self-efficacy, emotion regulation, and marital intimacy. Data analysis was conducted using Amos and SPSS software packages. Results: The findings revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between cognitive reappraisal and suppression considering family stability (p > 0.05). Conversely, a significant negative correlation was found between family stability and sexual self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a positive and significant association was between sexual self-efficacy and cognitive reappraisal, while a negative and significant correlation was observed between marital intimacy and suppression (p < 0.05). Sexual self-efficacy demonstrated a significant direct negative impact on family stability (β = -0.22). In addition, both sexual self-efficacy (β = 0.16) and cognitive reappraisal (β = 0.66) exhibited significant and direct positive effects, whereas suppression (β = -0.46) had a significant direct and negative effect on marital intimacy. Conclusion: Enhancing sexual self-efficacy along with marital intimacy and effective emotion regulation among couples can create favorable conditions for family stability and consolidation, marking an important advancement in promoting lasting marital relationships.

Reliability and Validity of the Sexual Intention Questionnaire for Adolescent Boys (SIQ-AB) in Malaysian Context

INTRODUCTION: The newly developed Sexual Intention Questionnaire for Adolescent Boys (SIQ-AB) is an adapted tool from the Youth Sexual Intention Questionnaire (YSI-Q) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), aimed to assess the influence of knowledge, permissive attitude, social norms, and self-efficacy toward the sexual intention. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate the newly developed SIQ-AB to determine Malaysian adolescent boys’ sexual intention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The SIQ-AB validity and reliability were assessed in this study. A total sample of 252 (Exploratory Factor Analysis, n=126 and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, n=126) among adolescent boys from Serian and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak were included in this study. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) assessed three constructs of sexual intention which include attitude, self-efficacy, and social norms with a 4-point Likert scale with a total of 19 items. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the TPB constructs of sexual intention, attitude, self-efficacy, and social norms with a 4-point Likert scale with a total of 19 items adopted from YSI-Q. RESULTS: The four-factor structures were supported by the EFA which had 19 items which accounted for 65.79% of the variation overall. Four items were removed due to improper positioning or low factor loading (<0.50), even though EFA supported the four-factor structure. Using Cronbach’s alpha, internal reliability varied between 0.77-0.89. Construct, convergent and composite validity of the SIQ-AB were further validated by the CFA with χ 2=199.0, df=129, p< 0.001, χ 2/df =1.54, CFI=0.98 and TLI=0.98 and RMSEA=0.06. CONCLUSIONS: The result proved that the SIQ-AB instrument is a valid and highly reliable tool to assess adolescent boys' sexual intention.

Investigation Of The Relationship Between School Administrators 'Attitudes Towards Reporting Child Sexual Abuse And Self-Efficacy Perceptions

This study aims to investigate the relationship between school administrators' attitudes towards reporting child sexual abuse and their self-efficacy perceptions. The research, involved a sample of 205 school administrators working at various levels in the Rize province. The research utilized the relational survey model, a quantitative research method. Data collection tools included the Demographic Information Form, the Attitude Scale towards Reporting Child Sexual Abuse, and the School Administrators' Self-Efficacy Perceptions Scale. The findings revealed a positive and moderately significant relationship between school administrators' attitudes towards reporting child sexual abuse and their self-efficacy perceptions. Additionally, the study concluded that self-efficacy perceptions significantly predicted school administrators' attitudes towards reporting child sexual abuse.

Extending the communication during sexual activity model: what role does sexual communication self-efficacy play?

ABSTRACT The current study examines the role of sexual communication self-efficacy as it relates to communication during sex and sexual satisfaction to provide an extension to the Communication During Sexual Activity Model (CDSAM). Through a Qualtrics survey, data were collected from 228 sexually active emerging adults. In line with previous research, results demonstrated that higher levels of communication during sex were correlated with higher sexual satisfaction, as was verbal sexual communication self-efficacy. A mediation model was tested using Hayes’ PROCESS macro and yielded a mediation between verbal sexual communication self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction through communication during sexual encounters.

The effects of motivational interviewing on sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of motivational interviewing on sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. This randomized controlled study was conducted with 164 postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction who presented to the gynecology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Kahramanmaras, Türkiye (82 experimental, 82 control). The data were collected using a personal information form, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-Female Version Questionnaire, the Sexual Quality of Life-Female Questionnaire, and the Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale. Four motivational interview sessions were conducted with the postmenopausal women in the experimental group at 1-week intervals, and those in the control group did not receive any intervention. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-squared test, and independent samples and paired samples t tests. Both the sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy levels of the participants in the experimental and control groups were similar in the pretest stage (P > 0.05). After the motivational interviews with those in the experimental group, the rate of sexual dysfunction was determined as 82.9% in the experimental group and 98.8% in the control group. Additionally, after the motivational interviews, the sexual dysfunction scores of the participants in the experimental group decreased significantly, and their sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy levels increased significantly compared to those in the control group (P < 0.001). The results of this study revealed that motivational interviewing decreased sexual dysfunction and increased sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.

Child marriage and quality of marriage among young married women in a rural district, Lorestan Province, Iran

PurposeChild marriage remains a significant socio-cultural phenomenon with profound implications for the quality of marital relationships, particularly among young women. This study investigates the association between child marriage and the quality of marriage among young married women in Iran.MethodsThis study employed a population-based cross-sectional research design. A total of 70 young women, aged 18–20 years, who had married before reaching 18 years of age, were selected from four primary health care (PHC) centers in Papi District, Lorestan Province, Iran, employing a systematic random sampling approach. Subjects were categorized into women experiencing relationship distress and those without such distress using the Quality of Marriage Index (QMI). Concurrently, their level of sexual satisfaction was assessed utilizing the Hudson’s Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS). Furthermore, Social Support was evaluated using the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ).ResultsThe mean age (SD) of women was 18.9 (0.7) years, and their mean age (SD) of marriage was 15.2 (2.1) years. Women experiencing distress showed significant differences in age of menarche (P = 0.006), education levels (P = 0.039), spouses’ education (P = 0.025), spouses’ occupations (P = 0.004), household income satisfaction (P = 0.041), and household structure (P = 0.045). Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis revealed significant and positive correlations between sexual self-efficacy and social support with marital quality (r = 0.73, p < 0.001 and r = 0.55, p < 0.001, respectively). Conversely, there was a significant negative correlation between the score of indexes of sexual satisfaction and marital quality (r = -0.65, p < 0.001).ConclusionThese findings emphasize the complex factors affecting marital quality and underscore the urgent need for interventions to support young women in early marriages. It is essential to reinforce policies aimed at reducing child marriage to improve the quality of marriage among young married women.

Navigating Life with Posterior Urethral Valves-Sexual Health and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is crucial for young adults with posterior urethral valves (PUV). This study investigates the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on their quality of life and sexual health, including self-efficacy. Methods: Patients aged 16 and older treated for PUV completed four validated questionnaires (Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES-E), ICIQ MLUTS, ICIQ MLUTSsex, ICIQ LUTSqol) and an individual health questionnaire. Results: Eighteen (52.9%) patients responded, with a median age of 23 years (IQR 18-26). Three had terminal renal failure; two were transplanted. Thirteen urinated naturally; five used a stoma. Sixteen had mild and two had moderate LUTS. Fifteen patients completed the SSES-E, scoring an average of 80, similar to the healthy cohort (83). Renal failure or catheterization did not significantly affect the overall score. In the ICIQ MLUTSsex, patients reported no significant impact of LUTS on sexuality. However, those with moderate LUTS had lower self-efficacy than those with mild symptoms (mean 75 vs. 84). Conclusions: Although quality of life and sexual function do not appear to be significantly impaired, LUTS are common and appear to be associated with a decreased SSE in our cohort. This should be particularly considered during the transition to adult care.

Tuned In! An affirmative mindfulness intervention for sexual and gender diverse young people

Sexual and gender diverse youth and young adults (SGDY) experience significant mental health disparities compared to non-SGDY, which is exacerbated by ongoing anti-LGBTQIA + political attacks across the U.S. SGDY lack access to culturally responsive mental health supports and are overlooked in clinical practice/research. Mindfulness is a transformative practice that fosters well-being and provides tools to address the psychological impact of discriminatory experiences. This study investigated feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), Tuned In!, co-developed with SGDY to improve mental health and navigate and challenge the current anti-LGBTQIA + sociopolitical context. Participants (n = 56), 16 to 29 yrs., were recruited and participated online. Surveys were administered pre, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up. Hierarchical Linear Modeling and Reflexive Thematic Analysis were used to analyze data. Rates of engagement and retention were high. High levels of satisfaction and acceptability, a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, and a significant increase in sexual self-efficacy, mindfulness, and self-compassion were found, with gains maintained at 6-month follow-up. Qualitative analysis uncovered the following themes: Development of Crucial Coping Skills and Strategies, A Sense of Community Among SGDY, Learning from Peers Through Dialogue. Study results suggest that Tuned In! is a promising intervention to improve SGDY mental health.

Interest in and Willingness to Use PrEP: A Cross-Sectional Study of Individuals with Problematic Substance Use Residing in a High HIV Prevalence Jurisdiction

Although it is an effective HIV prevention method, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is underutilized in the Southern US. Many people who use drugs (PWUD) have increased susceptibility to HIV which could be lessened by using PrEP. Potential barriers to PrEP use include lack of awareness of PrEP, low knowledge about HIV prevention, low self-efficacy for HIV prevention, inaccurate risk perceptions, and anticipated stigma. The current study examined predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that may predict interest in PrEP. The purpose of the current study was to explore factors associated with interest in and willingness to use daily oral and long acting injectable PrEP among sexually active adult PWUD. The data were collected from adult participants (n = 270) residing in Harris County, TX, who self-reported problematic substance use and who reported oral, anal, or vaginal sex in the six months prior to completing the survey. The survey was distributed and completed online via Qualtrics Panels in March of 2022 and included measures of PrEP and HIV knowledge, PrEP stigma, sexual health self-efficacy, experiences of discrimination, health literacy, and medical mistrust. The majority of participants reported circumstances or behaviors that increased their susceptibility to HIV. Findings indicated that PrEP user stereotypes and PrEP anticipated disapproval by others were associated with interest in using daily oral PrEP and willingness to use long acting injectable PrEP. These results provide insight into reasons for low PrEP uptake among PWUD who live in a high HIV prevalence jurisdiction. Implications for HIV prevention intervention are discussed.

Breaking the silence: the role of sexual communication on quality of life in women with cervical cancer

IntroductionCervical cancer (CC) and its treatments impact various dimensions of quality of life (QoL), including physical, psychological, and sexual functioning. Sexual health, a crucial QoL aspect, is often compromised, highlighting the necessity for open sexual communication.Materials and methodsThis study involved 60 women diagnosed with stage IIb-IIIa CC. The 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was used to measure physical and psychological components of QoL, the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6) to assess its sexual component, and the Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES) to diagnose communication confidence. Self-administered questions gauged patient-provider sexual communication. The results include quotes from participants, providing additional insight.ResultsSexual communication self-efficacy and patient-provider communication correlated significantly with QoL components. Only 23.33% discussed sexual issues with their doctors. Participants’ experiences highlighted the impact of cancer on sexuality and the need for tailored support.DiscussionPost-diagnosis psychosexual changes emphasize the importance of communication in renegotiating sexual identity and needs. Effective communication is associated with improved QoL, highlighting the role of healthcare professionals in addressing psychosexual issues. Integrating PLISSIT and BETTER models provides a comprehensive approach to sexual communication in the cancer context.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the importance of sexual communication self-efficacy in QoL of CC patients and highlights the need for healthcare professionals to include sexual communication education in cancer care.

(054) OPTIMIZING INTERNET-BASED PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION FOR BREAST CANCER-RELATED SEXUAL MORBIDITY: PROTOCOL FOR A FACTORIAL TRIAL

Abstract Introduction Although 3 in 4 breast cancer survivors report significant sexual concerns following treatment, few receive support for these concerns. Delivering sexual health care to breast cancer survivors via the Internet could overcome many of the barriers to in-person interactions, including limited availability of resources and stigma. Prior research on telehealth interventions for breast cancer survivors’ sexual health has limitations. First, survivors continue to endorse time burden as a leading reason for declining telehealth sexual health interventions. Second, prior trial designs have not been able to determine which intervention components work best for which survivors. This knowledge is crucial to refine and personalize sexual health care for survivors. Objective Use the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) methodological framework to achieve the following aims: (1) develop an Internet intervention for breast cancer-related sexual health that is optimized for greatest impact; and (2) determine how intervention components work (i.e., mediators) and for whom they work best (i.e., moderators). Methods 320 partnered, post-treatment female breast cancer survivors who endorse at least one bothersome sexual symptom (i.e., pain with sex, vaginal dryness, low sexual desire, difficulty with orgasm) related to their breast cancer treatment will be enrolled. Recruitment will be conducted via a US-national community oncology research program representing more than 1,000 individual practice locations. In this factorial trial, participants will be randomized to receive a combination of 4 intervention components: psychoeducation about cancer-related sexual morbidity, training for communication with their health care team, training for communication with their partners, and intimacy promotion skills training. These components were selected as they are supported by our intervention research, are consistent with survivorship guidelines, and align with survivors’ preferences found in our qualitative research. Components will be implemented using a robust Internet intervention platform with tailoring and highly-engaging elements like animation, video, and automated email prompts. Survivors will complete assessments at baseline (pre-randomization) and 3- and 6-month post-assessments. First, the impact of intervention components on survivors’ sexual distress (Female Sexual Distress Scale-Desire, Arousal, Orgasm) and sexual functioning (Female Sexual Function Inventory) will be tested. Next, a select set of mediators (i.e., sexual functioning knowledge, sexual communication self-efficacy with clinicians and partner, emotional intimacy with partner) and moderators (i.e., menopausal status, adjuvant endocrine therapy use, psychological distress, relationship duration and satisfaction) will be evaluated. Results Institutional review board approvals are in progress, with clinical trial registration to follow. Data collection is anticipated to begin in Spring 2024 and be completed in 2027. Conclusions Findings from this trial will accelerate the development of more effective sexual health interventions for breast cancer survivors by determining how intervention components work and for whom various components work best. By identifying the combination of intervention components likely to provide breast cancer survivors the greatest sexual health benefit for the least burden, this study will result in the first Internet intervention optimized for maximum impact for the undertreated, prevalent, and distressing problem of breast cancer-related sexual morbidity. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: AHC: grants from Janssen, Relmada Therapeutics, Inc., and Sage Therapeutics; personal fees from Acadia, Alkermes, Allergan, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Fabre-Kramer, Ovoca Bio plc, Pure Tech Health, Sage Therapeutics, Takeda/Lundbeck, WCG MedAvante-ProPhase, Ballantine Books/Random House, Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, Guilford Publications; personal fees and other from S1 Biopharma; and other from Euthymics and Mediflix LLC. GL: consultant or research affiliation with Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc; Denovo Biopharma; IN8bio; Incyte Corporation; Novocure Inc.; oblato; ONO Pharma; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. LR: financial and/or business interest in BeHealth Solutions and is a consultant to Mahana Therapeutics.

Cracking the code to female sexual satisfaction: the serial mediation of sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality from sexual self-efficacy.

Sexual satisfaction has been shown to have a strong association with many aspects of sexual health and wellbeing. It is further considered a robust indicator of an individual's health status and general wellbeing, revealing that a person can enjoy pleasurable and healthy sexual experiences, beyond the mere absence of sexual and reproductive health issues. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sexual satisfaction, sexual behaviors, sexual self-efficacy, and the importance personally attributed to maintaining an active and satisfying sexual life among young and middle-aged women aged 18-50. A descriptive correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Participants (N = 1,076 women) completed self-reports on sexual self-efficacy beliefs, frequency of sexual behaviors, the importance attributed to active and healthy sexuality, and multidimensional sexual satisfaction. The supported mediation model indicated that sexual self-efficacy was related to sexual satisfaction directly and indirectly through sexual behavior and a serial path through sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality. The total effect was significant, and the full model explained 7.3% of the global sexual satisfaction variance (F = 17.218, p = 0.000), with the mediated effect accounting for 44.3%. This study confirms a partial serial mediation model by which sexual self-efficacy significantly predicts sexual satisfaction through sexual behaviors and the importance attributed to a healthy sexuality. Due to its significant contribution, the perceived importance of sexuality should be considered when studying correlates of sexual satisfaction. These findings have interesting implications for the development of strategies aimed at sexual health promotion and sexual education among women in early and middle adulthood.

Evaluating the Effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Sexual Function and Sexual Self-Efficacy of Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review

Evaluating the Effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Sexual Function and Sexual Self-Efficacy of Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review

The effect of 8-week mindfulness counseling on sexual self-efficacy of women suffering from human immunodeficiency syndrome: A randomized controlled trial in Iran.

Sexual self-efficacy refers to a woman's belief that she can be sexually active and attractive for her sexual partner and has acceptable sexual function. One of the issues that may negatively affect sexual self-efficacy is HIV infection. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of counseling based on mindfulness on sexual self-efficacy of women affected with HIV. This was a randomized controlled trial involving 62 HIV-positive women in their reproductive age. Women in the intervention group were further divided into four groups. Each group received eight sessions of counseling based on mindfulness, while the control group received no intervention. A demographic questionnaire and sexual self-efficacy questionnaire were used to collect the data. The independent t test, χ 2, and repeated measure tests were used to analyze the data. The mean change of total score of sexual self-efficacy in Week 8 compared with before intervention was 37.04 (95% CI: 31.38-42.70, p < 0001) and in Week 12 compared with before intervention was 36.97 (95% CI: 31.59-42.34, p < 0.0001), while in the control group, it almost remained unchanged. The score of readiness for sexual relationship, sexual self-stimulation, intimacy without sexual intercourse, and orgasm improved significantly 8 and 12 weeks after intervention (p < 0.0001), whereas no significant differences were observed in these dimensions in the control group. The results of this study showed that 8 weeks of counseling based on mindfulness could significantly improve all dimensions of sexual self-efficacy and its total score in women affected with HIV. Thus, this method of counseling is recommended for HIV-positive women.

The effect of sexual education on the postpartum women’s sexual self-confidence and self-efficacy: a theory-based intervention

IntroductionPregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period cause significant physical and psychological changes in mothers, leading to changes in their sexual self-concept and adverse effects on their sexual self-confidence and self-efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of sexual education on postpartum women’s sexual self-efficacy and self-confidence.MethodThis randomized interventional study was conducted on 115 women who had given birth at least six weeks ago and attended healthcare centers. Using convenience sampling, the researchers randomly allocated the participants into two intervention and control groups through a block size of six. The intervention group received six 90-minute online training sessions based on the sexual self-concept model over one month, while the control group received routine care. To collect data, the self-efficacy and sexual confidence questionnaires by Buzwell and Rosenthal were used before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month later.ResultsThe study findings demonstrated no significant differences in demographic characteristics, sexual self-confidence, and sexual self-efficacy scores between the two groups before the intervention. However, the repeated measures ANOVA results revealed a substantial increase in sexual self-confidence and self-efficacy scores over time in the intervention group immediately after participating in the training sessions and one month later.ConclusionConsidering the effect of training based on the sexual self-concept model on postpartum women, the researchers recommend using this model to improve their sexual self-efficacy and self-confidence after childbirth.Clinical trial registrationThis study is registered at the Iranian Registry Clinical Trial (IRCT20220530055025N1).

Comparison of Sexual Self-Efficacy, 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid Levels, and White Blood Cell Counts in Women with Orgasmic Disorder and Healthy Controls

Comparison of Sexual Self-Efficacy, 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid Levels, and White Blood Cell Counts in Women with Orgasmic Disorder and Healthy Controls

Correlates of College Women's Sexual Assault Resistance Self-Efficacy.

Studies suggest that actively fighting back against an attacker is effective in decreasing the severity and completion of a sexual assault, yet little is known about the factors that contribute to women's confidence in fighting back. Accordingly, the present study examines correlates of college women's self-efficacy in resisting unwanted sexual advances (N = 650). Results suggest that fewer psychological barriers to resistance, greater sexual communication, increased use of dating self-protective behaviors, and greater sexual assertiveness were associated with increased sexual resistance self-efficacy. Findings underscore the importance of developing sexual assault prevention programs that increase women's confidence in fighting back.

Construction and validation of a scale of sexual self-concept for the elderly Chilean population.

Sexual self-concept has a central role in the life of the elderly population. Indeed, their sexual self-concept has significant and positive relationships with their satisfaction with life, pleasure, and willingness to interact with others. However, social-cultural prejudice means that the elderly are considered asexual individuals, harming their sexual self-concept. This prejudice is prominent in Chile, where the elderly do not have access to clear information about their sexuality. However, research on the Chilean elderly population is still in its infancy and requires more attention. Hence, this research aims to construct and validate a scale of sexual self-concept for the elderly Chilean population to cover this identified gap in the literature. Sixty items were integrated into the first version of the scale. Ten external judges were asked to assess the content validity. Twenty-eight items were maintained. Subsequently, an instrumental and cross-sectional design was implemented with a non-probabilistic sampling (N = 188). Items were refined with corrected homogeneity indices and conditional estimates of Cronbach's alpha and Omega coefficient. A final scale of nine items equally distributed in three dimensions was obtained: Sexual self-efficacy (ω = 0.867), Sexual assertiveness (ω = 0.764), and Sexual self-esteem (ω = 0.803). The confirmatory factor analysis reflects that the theoretical model has an adequate fit (CFI = .989; TLI = .984; RMSEA = .086). The data analyses confirmed that the scale has adequate psychometric properties. This scale can be used for multidimensional measurements of sexual self-concept in the elderly in Chile. Further research can confirm its psychometric properties in different settings within the Spanish language population.

Age-hypogamy, emotional intelligence, sexual self-efficacy, and subjective happiness associations

Research examining age-gap relationships is sparse, particularly on women who date younger men. Using a content analysis consisting of non-parametric statistical analysis, we investigated age-hypogamy (with male partners approximately 7–10 years younger) and age homogamy with levels of emotional intelligence (E.I.), sexual self-efficacy (SSE), and subjective happiness (S.H.). Twenty-four women were recruited via social media platforms. Seventeen women in age-hypogamy relationships had a mean age = 45.86 years (SD = 4.47), and seven women in age-homogamy relationships had a mean age = 42.34 years (SD = 9.04) with an age range for both groups between 25 and 57 years. Results suggested that age-hypogamy relationships scored higher on levels of E.I., S.H., and SSE when compared to women in age-homogamy relationships. Since SSE, E.I., and S.H. are associated with fulfilling intimate relationships, this study questions the preconceived notion that age-hypogamy relationships are any less fulfilling or successful than those in age-homogamy relationships. Future research among a larger and more diverse cohort in age gap relationships is needed to confirm the unique qualities of this population.

Sexual health literacy and its related factors among couples: A population-based study in Iran.

Sexual health literacy is one of the factors that affect sexual health. Several factors can influence sexual health literacy. As a result, the current study was carried out to determine sexual health literacy and its associated factors among Iranian couples. In 2022, 410 couples of reproductive age were referred to comprehensive health service centers and private clinics in Kerman city for the descriptive-analytical study. The study questionnaires included sexual health literacy for adults, sexual knowledge and attitude scale, marital intimacy scale, sexual intimacy scale, depression anxiety stress scale, sexual self-efficacy, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and socioeconomic status. Finally, multiple linear stepwise regression models were used to determine the factors related to sexual health literacy using the SPSS software version 22. According to the findings of this study, the mean(SD) of sexual health literacy in couples was 68.76(12.96), which was a desirable level. Furthermore, the findings revealed that sexual self-efficacy (B = 0.649، P<0.001), sexual knowledge and attitude (B = 0.217، P<0.001), the ability to identify reliable and non-reliable sources (B = -3.116، P<0.001), feelings of shame and embarrassment for obtaining sexual information (B = 1.860، P = 0.011), social support (B = 0.127، P<0.001) and the obscenity of sexual issues in family (B = 1.764، P = 0.015) were the final predictors of sexual health literacy in couples. It is suggested that researchers and health managers consider these factors when designing interventions to promote sexual health literacy.