Unveiling the Secrets of Female Sexual Satisfaction: Exploring Multidimensional Patterns of Sexual Behavior in Young and Middle-Aged Women through Cluster Analysis.

Abstract

Although the relationship between knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and sexual self-efficacy in influencing sexual behavior has been well-established, the impact of these factors on sexual satisfaction-an indicator of sexual health-remains understudied. This study adopted a person-oriented approach to determine the profiles of psychosocial variables regarding sexuality using cluster analysis. We examine whether multidimensional configurations of cognitive-motivational predictors exist and how they correlate with sexual behaviors and satisfaction among 1,076 women aged 18-50 years. The findings reveal three distinct clusters: a high potential cluster characterized by more appropriate knowledge, healthier and more flexible beliefs and attitudes, and higher sexual self-efficacy for preventive and health promotion actions; a moderate-risk cluster with comparable knowledge but more biased beliefs and attitudes, and potentially illusory sexual self-efficacy; and a high-risk cluster showing the poorest cognitive and motivational competencies. The clusters did not differ in sociodemographic variables, but differences were observed in religiosity, with the high potential cluster showing lower levels. These profiles significantly correlated with sexual behaviors and satisfaction, with the high potential cluster showing healthier sexual outcomes. Our findings indicate different configurations of predictors of sexual behaviors and satisfaction among young and adult women, highlighting the importance of studying sexuality from an idiographic perspective to analyze how cognitive and motivational factors interact with both behavior and satisfaction. This study underscores the need for tailored sexual health interventions that enhance pleasure and well-being, using individual profiles to guide personalized strategies.