Moderating role of performance anxiety, sexual knowledge and sexual attitude on the relationship between severity of sexual dysfunctions and marital problems

Marital relationships are influenced by sexual dysfunctions resulting in development and or continuing marital problems. The present study aimed at examining the moderating role of performance anxiety, sexual knowledge and attitudes on the relationship between severity of sexual dysfunctions and marital problems. A total of 70 individuals (35 males, 35 females) referring to the sexual dysfunctions center of the Mashhad university of medical sciences participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete Golombok-Rust inventory of sexual state questionnaire (GRISS), Golombok Rust inventory of marital state (GRIMS), multidimensional self concept questionnaire (MDSCQ), and sexual knowledge and attitude scale (SKAS). Sexual dysfunctions showed a significant positive association with marital problems. Performance anxiety and inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes to sex showed significant positive associations with marital problems. Performance anxiety as well as sexual knowledge and attitudes predicted sexual dysfunctions. Analysis of the data revealed that performance anxiety significantly moderated the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and marital problems. The moderating role of sexual knowledge and attitudes, however, did not approved. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that sexual and marital aspects of the couple's relationship are influenced by personal characteristics of performance anxiety as well as sexual knowledge and attitude. The results of the present study provided support for the importance of these variables in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions as well as marital problems.