Number of Sexual Partners Predicting Self-Esteem, Sexual Satisfaction, and Sexual Self-efficacy
Abstract
Previous research has provided little insight into how the number of sexual partners affects people’s overall perceptions of themselves and their lifestyles. The sexual double standard has been found to inhibit women from engaging in, or reporting, sexual activities with multiple partners, though previous research also has found that women are likely to have more frequent sexual encounters when involved in a committed romantic relationship. The present study predicted that gender, relationship status, sexual orientation, and sexual debut would have an impact on number of sexual partners, which would then affect self-esteem, sexual satisfaction, and sexual self-efficacy. Through an online survey, participants anonymously responded to statements related to these concepts in order to test relationships among demographics and the number of sexual partners as well as among the number of sexual partners and self-esteem, sexual satisfaction, and sexual self-efficacy. Overall, men were much more influenced by their relationship status and number of sexual partners than women, implying that the men are still affected by the sexual double standard through the praise they receive for having many sexual partners.
Degree
M.Sc.
Advisors
Nalbone, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Behavioral psychology|Psychology|Sexuality
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.