Association between Sexual Satisfaction and Depression and Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults

Rodrigo J. Carcedo, Noelia Fernández-Rouco, Andrés A. Fernández-Fuertes and José Luis Martínez-Álvarez
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Rodrigo J. Carcedo: Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Salamanca, 37005 Salamanca, Spain
Noelia Fernández-Rouco: Department of Education, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Andrés A. Fernández-Fuertes: Department of Education, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
José Luis Martínez-Álvarez: Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Salamanca, 37005 Salamanca, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: The role of sexual satisfaction in adolescents and young adults’ mental health has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this work is to study differences in sexual satisfaction and mental health (anxiety and depression) based on romantic relationship status (having a partner vs. not having one) and gender. Likewise, the association between sexual satisfaction and mental health and the moderating effect of romantic relationship status and gender was addressed in this research. A total of 1682 Spanish adolescents (14–17) and young adults (18–29) agreed to participate in this cross-sectional investigation. Two-factor ANOVA and MANOVA, and hierarchical regression models were utilized in this study. In general, results showed more difficulties in sexual satisfaction and mental health for those not in a current relationship and for women. Additionally, higher levels of sexual satisfaction was associated with lower levels of anxiety for adolescents and lower levels of depression for young adults. These associations were stronger for those in a current relationship. This study highlights the importance of sexual satisfaction as a modifying factor against mental health problems, especially in the context of a current romantic relationship.

Keywords: sexual satisfaction; mental health; romantic relationships; adolescents; young adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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