The relationship between sexual self-concept and sexual function and self-esteem in women with vaginismus disorder

Vaginismus is one of the most common sexual disorders among women. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual self-concept and sexual function and self-esteem in women with vaginismus disorder.

In this study, 124 women with vaginismus referred to Family Health Clinic, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic in Tehran were studied by random sampling method. Data gathering tool included Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSQ), Female Sexual Performance Index (FSFI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (RSE). Ethics and confidentiality of answers were observed and all stages of the present study were performed according to ethical standards.

Findings revealed that some components of sexual self-concept including sexual anxiety, sexual self-efficacy, motivation to avoid high-risk sexual intercourse and sexual depression (at the level of a = 0.01) and sexual optimism, self-blame - sexual problem, sexual satisfaction (at the level of a = 0.05) were significantly correlated with sexual function. Indeed, sexual anxiety, sexual problem management, sexual self-esteem, sexual schemas, fear of sex (a = 0.01) and sexual self-efficacy, sexual motivation, sexual satisfaction, sexual depression (a = 0.05) were appreciably associated with self-esteem.

Findings indicate the relationship between some components of sexual self-concept and sexual function and self-esteem. Also components of sexual anxiety, sexual self-efficacy, sexual awareness, motivation to prevent high-risk sexual intercourse, sexual anxiety, sexual control, sexual motivation, sexual self-esteem, other sexual control power, and sexual problem prevention have the largest share in explaining sexual function. Also sexual anxiety has the largest role in explaining self-esteem.