The purpose of this article is to examine how sexual assertiveness and erotic identity interact to predict overall relationship satisfaction and relational harmony among couples who identify themselves as heterosexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, asexual, polyamorous, kinky, or other sexual orientations. This study builds upon previous research that has established a link between sexual assertiveness and relational satisfaction, but it extends the existing literature by examining the role of erotic identity in mediating this relationship.
Sexual assertiveness refers to one's ability to communicate one's needs and desires during sexual encounters, while also respecting the boundaries and preferences of one's partner(s). It involves being open and honest about what one wants and does not want, and being willing to negotiate with one's partner(s) to find mutually satisfying outcomes. Research has shown that individuals with higher levels of sexual assertiveness tend to report greater levels of relational satisfaction and less conflict within their relationships.
There may be differences in how sexual assertiveness interacts with different forms of erotic identity.
Erotic identity encompasses an individual's understanding of their own sexuality and how they express it. This can include factors such as sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual interest, sexual behaviors, and sexual attraction. The term "erotic" emphasizes the connection between sex and pleasure, which means that exploring one's own identity in relation to these factors can involve self-discovery and personal growth. Some studies suggest that those with more diverse or complex erotic identities are likely to have different experiences when communicating their sexual needs and desires than those who identify as heterosexual or monogamous.
To examine these hypotheses, we conducted a large-scale survey of over 10000 adults across North America who identified as male, female, nonbinary, transgender, asexual, bisexual, pansexual, polyamorous, kinky, or other sexual orientations. Participants completed measures of sexual assertiveness and erotic identity, as well as questions related to their relationship satisfaction and relational harmony. We analyzed the data using multiple regression analyses and found significant results supporting our hypotheses.
Our first finding was that sexual assertiveness was positively associated with overall relationship satisfaction for all participants, regardless of their erotic identity. In other words, individuals who were more able to communicate their sexual desires and boundaries tended to report greater satisfaction with their relationships.
The strength of this association varied depending on erotic identity.
Those who identified as polyamorous reported higher levels of sexual assertiveness but lower levels of relational satisfaction compared to those who identified as monogamous. This suggests that there may be additional challenges involved in negotiating sexual boundaries within nonmonogamous relationships, despite their potential benefits.
The second finding was that the interaction between erotic identity and sexual assertiveness was important in predicting relational harmony. Specifically, those who identified as polyamorous or kinky and had high levels of sexual assertiveness reported the highest level of relational harmony. By contrast, those who identified as bisexual and had low levels of sexual assertiveness reported the lowest level of relational harmony. This suggests that there is a tradeoff between being open about one's sexual desires and maintaining good communication within these types of relationships.
Our findings suggest that sexual assertiveness is an important factor in maintaining healthy relationships across diverse forms of erotic identities.
The specific ways in which individuals express their sexuality can affect how they interact with their partners and the outcomes they experience. Further research is needed to understand the nuances of these interactions and develop interventions that support positive relational outcomes among individuals from different backgrounds and orientations.
How does sexual assertiveness interact with erotic identity to predict satisfaction and relational harmony?
Sexual assertiveness is an individual's ability to express their desires, needs, boundaries, and interests during sex, while maintaining respect for their partner's preferences and limits. This trait may be influenced by cultural norms surrounding gender roles, social expectations, and personal experiences of power dynamics in previous relationships.