Social-Demographic Predictors of Sexual Self-Concept in Women on the Verge of Marriage: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A satisfying and proper sexual relationship that meets the needs of both spouses plays a crucial role in the stability and longevity of the family. Sexual self-concept is one of the factors affecting women's sexual behavior and performance and can be changed throughout life. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the status of sexual self-concept and its socio-demographic predictors of women on the verge of marriage. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 women referring to premarital counseling centers in Tabriz, Iran. The data collection tool was the questionnaire of personal and social characteristics and Snell's Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire. Pearson's correlation test, one-way analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression test were used in data analysis with SPSS software version 24. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of the positive sexual self-concept score was 117 (0.20) from the obtainable score of 0 - 176, and the mean (standard deviation) of the negative sexual self-concept score was 16 (0.7) from the obtainable score of 4 - 38. Additionally, the mean (standard deviation) of the sexual self-concept score was 44 (0.9) from the range of the obtainable score of 0 - 72. The results of multivariate analysis with multivariate linear regression test and control of confounding variables showed that the husband’s age, education, and mother's education were the predictors of positive sexual self-concept. Moreover, age, father's education, and duration of previous acquaintance were reported as predictors of negative sexual self-concept, and age was observed as a predictor of situational sexual self-concept. Conclusions: The study's findings indicated that age, education, parents' education, and the duration of acquaintance with the future spouse could predict sexual self-concept in women approaching marriage without sexual abuse. Given that sexual self-concept evolves well before any sexual activity, policymakers can enhance women's sexual self-concept through interventions, such as psychological counseling with a focus on sexual health. This, in turn, can improve their overall well-being, ultimately supporting stable family foundations and successful childbearing in the future.