Extract

Objective

Previous studies examined the influence of sexism, gender stereotypes, and sexual beliefs on relationships and sexual behaviours. Clinical expertise in sexology and couple therapy leads to think that rigid scripts and dysfunctional beliefs, about gender and sexuality, negatively affect relational and sexual satisfaction. The aim of the present explorative study was to analyse the correlation between benevolent and hostile sexism, sexual dysfunctional beliefs (SDB) and sexual and relational satisfaction in a group of heterosexual men and women. In line with the literature, we expected worse profile of satisfaction on people who scored higher on sexism and dysfunctional beliefs; moreover, we expected different associations between specific stereotypes and satisfaction depending on gender.

Methods

The participants were 592 (354 F, 238 M). They completed: Questionnaire on socio-demographic Information, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory; Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire; Dyadic Adjustment Scale; Sexual Satisfaction Scale.

Results

Male group showed a negative correlation between SDB, dyadic and sexual satisfaction. A negative correlation between hostile sexism and dyadic satisfaction has been observed. Results highlighted, in female group, a negative correlation between SDB and sexual and dyadic satisfaction. Only for females, the affection-primacy subscale resulted as the main predictor of dyadic satisfaction (β=.246; p<.001) among the studied variables.

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