Sexual self-efficacy is an individual's confidence in their ability to initiate, maintain, or achieve specific sexual goals. This can be influenced by past sexual experiences and current relationship dynamics. Long-term partners may experience greater sexual satisfaction when they feel secure about performing certain acts due to previous successes, while new partners may struggle without guidance. Relationship resilience also plays a role as couples must navigate disagreements and conflicts that arise from differing desires and needs.
The study examined data from a sample of heterosexual couples who had been together for at least three years. Participants completed questionnaires measuring sexual self-efficacy, relational satisfaction, and emotional resilience. They were then asked about their online sexual experiences, including frequency and types of activities. Results indicated that individuals who engaged in more frequent online sexual activity reported higher levels of sexual self-efficacy but lower levels of relational satisfaction and emotional resilience. These findings suggest that repeated online sexual encounters can have negative effects on both individual and interpersonal wellbeing, even in established relationships.
Further research is needed to understand how these results may vary across different contexts and demographics.
Some studies have found that LGBTQ+ individuals may benefit from online sex as it allows them to explore and express their identities in ways not available in their everyday lives.
Age and relationship length may impact the significance of online experiences on overall wellbeing.
This study highlights the potential consequences of online sexuality on long-term partnered individuals' sexual self-efficacy, relational satisfaction, and emotional resilience. It suggests that continued exploration into this area is necessary to fully understand its implications for intimate relationships.
How do repeated online sexual experiences intersect with sexual self-efficacy, relational satisfaction, and emotional resilience in the context of long-term partnerships?
The literature on sexual self-efficacy indicates that it is related to an individual's ability to perform specific sexual behaviors and their beliefs about how competent they are at those behaviors. The more confident someone is in their ability to engage in sexual behavior, the greater their overall sexual self-efficacy will be.