Predictors of sexual satisfaction among young adults in the U.S

Context: The WHO defines sexual health as "a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity." Yet virtually no public health research examines factors associated with sexual well-being outcomes, including sexual satisfaction.

Methods: Data derive from a cross-sectional survey of 2,186 heterosexually active, 18-25 year-olds from four university campuses. Respondents were asked to rate their physiological and psychological satisfaction with their current sexual lives. Multivariate logistical regression gauged associations between extreme satisfaction and wide variety of covariates.

Results: The overwhelming majority of respondents reported that they were "satisfied"(52% physiological, 47% psychological) or "extremely satisfied" (32% physiological, 32% psychological) with their current sexual lives. Fewer than 5% and 9%, respectively, reported any physiological or psychological dissatisfaction. In multivariate analyses, significant predictors (p<.01) of both extreme psychological and physical satisfaction included: longer term relationship status, greater sexual self comfort and lower sexual guilt, being male, and more frequent sexual activity and orgasm. Additional predictors of extreme psychological satisfaction were higher levels of self esteem, self respect, and higher frequency of setting goals for oneself. Non-significant factors included age, years of sexual activity, perceived adequacy of sexuality education, number of partners in the last year, race/ethnicity, and frequency of contraceptive use.

Conclusion: Young adults report high levels of both types of sexual satisfaction in their current sexual lives and relationships. To enhance sexual satisfaction, public health practitioners should continue working to improve sexual self comfort, alleviate sexual guilt, and promote longer-term, more trusting relationships.