Gender differences in the association between sexual satisfaction and quality of life

Sexual satisfaction (SS) may be an important predictor of broader quality of life (QOL; e.g. life satisfaction, etc.). However, past studies have rarely examined moderating variables of this association. The current study examined gender differences in the association between QOL and satisfaction with both intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of sex (e.g. one's physical pleasure vs. quality of emotional connection with a partner). 188 adults completed measures of SS and QOL. SS was moderately correlated with a range of QOL outcomes. Satisfaction with intrapersonal aspects of sex was generally a stronger predictor of QOL for men whereas satisfaction with interpersonal factors was sometimes more predictive of QOL in women. Implications regarding the broader impact of sexual well-being are discussed. Lay Summary: Men and women may differ regarding how sexual satisfaction is associated with quality of life. Satisfaction regarding internal components of sex like physical pleasure may most important for men, while satisfaction with interpersonal components of sex like emotional connection may be most important to women.