Sexual satisfaction and commitment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms by which commitment is associated with sexual satisfaction. This study expanded on previous research to determine whether three pro-relationship sexual behaviors (disclosure, motivation to satisfy partner, and emotional bond) would explain a significant amount of variance in participants’ sexual satisfaction and whether these variables mediated the association between commitment and sexual satisfaction. A convenience sample was collected, consisting of 100 undergraduate female students. Participants completed a survey that included the following measures: Rusbult relationship satisfaction scale, The Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, Rusbult’s commitment scale, and scales created by the researcher to assess the three pro-relationship sexual behaviors. There was a statistically significant correlation between sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction (r=.70) and between sexual satisfaction and commitment (r=.57). Commitment was most highly correlated with emotional bond (r (100)=.70), followed by motivation to satisfy partner (r (100)=.47), and disclosure (r (100)=.36). These results indicate that women who reported being more committed in their relationship also reported an increased use of the three pro-relationship sexual behaviors. Commitment predicted a significant amount of sexual satisfaction variance (r²=.34). When sexual satisfaction was regressed on total pro-relationship sexual behaviors score, 44% of the variance in sexual satisfaction was accounted for. When commitment was added, only an additional 4% of variance was accounted for. Thus, the relationship between commitment and sexual satisfaction is almost completely mediated by the three pro-relationship sexual behavior scales. Overall the model accounted for 48% of the variance in sexual satisfaction. This research is important in treatment of sexual difficulties. Commitment is important to sexual satisfaction; the three pro-relationship sexual behaviors are especially important for sexual functioning.