Sexual dysfunction can be a problem across the lifespan but is usually thought of in terms of older adults. Despite this common thinking, sexual function can be poor in young adults as well. A study published in The Journal of Sex Research attempts to provide insight into sexual dysfunction in young adult relationships.
Poor sexual functioning can be a very distressing problem for people who are experiencing it, and this can be especially true for adolescents and young adults. Problems can include lack of desire, difficulty with erection or orgasms, sexual pain, and more. Research shows that around half of young adults have experienced sexual dysfunction in the previous four weeks.
Despite how common this is, there is a lack of research exploring the problems with sexual function in the context of romantic and sexual relationships. This study aims to bridge this gap in research.
Study author Lucia F. O’Sullivan and colleagues utilized a sample of 688 young adults from the United States or Canada recruited online between the ages of 18 and 24. Participants completed measures on demographics and background information, gender beliefs, sexual communication, sexual self-esteem, relationship status and factors, and sexual problems.
Results showed that almost all young adults reported either optimal or suboptimal sexual functioning, meaning they either had no problems or minimal problems. This was different for women than men, with two thirds of women reporting difficulty, most commonly with regard to achieving orgasm. The differences in functioning were more pronounced between relationships for men, while for women who reported optimal sexual functioning, this was mostly stable across relationships.
Results also showed that sexual self-esteem and gender roles were strong predictors of sexual functioning for both genders. “Overall, those individuals with higher sexual self-esteem may be better able to find solutions, experiment effectively, or have the confidence needed to acquire information or advice to overcome problems that arise,” the researchers said. “Having lower sexual self-esteem might make it difficult to navigate sexual interactions with a partner and render individuals less effective at handling problems that arise.”
Surprisingly, stronger gender roles were linked to better sexual functioning, which researchers believe may be a protective strategy.
“It may be that endorsing traditional gender roles reflects less interest in experimental, varied, or unconventional forms of sexual interaction, and as such, those who endorse traditional roles may have fewer challenges or contexts in which problems might appear,” the study authors wrote.
“Traditionally, men are socialized to be the aggressor in sexual interactions with women, controlling the scenario and initiating all forms of sexual activity. By contrast, women’s role is far more passive, responding sexually to men’s efforts and performance, but focused significantly on being an attractive sexual stimulus for men. Synchronicity in these complementary roles can reduce conflict, uncertainty or strain.”
This study aimed to understand sexual dysfunction in young adults and took many steps forward in doing so. Despite this, it has several limitations to discuss. Firstly, it is possible that participants have distorted memories of past relationships or inability to recall when sexual dysfunction began or occurred. Additionally, this research did not capture the adults entire sexual pasts, making it so that there could’ve been earlier sexual dysfunction not reported in the data.
The study, “Individual and Relationship Predictors of Trajectories of Sexual Function across Adolescent and Young Adult Relationships“, was authored by Lucia F. O’Sullivan, E. Sandra Byers, and Samantha J. Dawson.