Global, Relational, and Sexual Motivation: A Test of Hierarchical Versus Heterarchical Effects on Well-Being

Emilie E. Gravel (), Elke D. Reissing and Luc G. Pelletier
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Emilie E. Gravel: University of Ottawa
Elke D. Reissing: University of Ottawa
Luc G. Pelletier: University of Ottawa

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2019, vol. 20, issue 7, No 13, 2269-2289

Abstract: Abstract The quality of sexual motives is an important predictor of sexual well-being. However, how sexual motives are integrated to psychological functioning beyond the sexual domain remains poorly understood. In this study, we used self-determination theory, the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and principles of heterarchical conceptual modeling to investigate motivational antecedents and well-being consequences of autonomous and controlled sexual motivation at three levels of psychological functioning: sexual, relational, and global. University students (N = 853; women = 684, men = 169 men; Mage = 19.93, SD = 4.14) completed validated measurement of motivation and well-being at these three levels of psychological functioning. Results revealed that motives for performing everyday behaviors in general (i.e., global motivation) and motives for being in a committed relationship (i.e., relational motivation) predicted the quality of sexual motives. In turn, the quality of sexual motives predicted differences in well-being. Specifically, high autonomous and low controlled sexual motivation were associated with an overall pattern of optimal psychological functioning. Sexual motives predicted global and relational well-being beyond the contribution of global and relational motivation. These results reflect a heterarchical structure, in which sexual motives can operate independently from relational processes, as opposed to a hierarchical structure, in which sexual motives fully depend on relational processes to operate. Thus, the quality of sexual motives is associated with broad personality dispositions, relationship processes, and well-being beyond the sexual domain in complex ways. These results help illuminate for whom and when sexual experiences result in benefits or costs to well-being.

Keywords: Sexual motivation; Self-determination theory; Well-being; Sexual satisfaction; Relationships (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-0047-3

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