Date of Award
2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Specialization
Clinical Psychology
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Patricia Morokoff
Second Advisor
Andrea Paiva
Abstract
Optimal sexuality refers to noteworthy or excellent sexual experiences (Kleinplatz & Ménard, 2020). Kleinplatz & Ménard (2020) conducted qualitative research that identified eight components of optimal sexuality. The aim of this study was to test a mediation model of desirable aspects of sexuality using the eight optimal sexuality components as mediators. The independent variables were personality, more specifically openness, agreeableness, and neuroticism, and the dependent variable was sexual satisfaction. This cross-sectional study utilized an anonymous online questionnaire that was completed by 319 participants. Data was collected on participant relationship and sexual history, sexual quality and optimal sexual experiences, personality, and sexual satisfaction. Optimal sexuality component data utilized participant responses to both previously validated and newly developed scales that aligned with the descriptions of each component as described by Kleinplatz et al. (2009) and Kleinplatz & Ménard (2020). A stepwise process of analyses was conducted to determine which variables would be used in the final mediation models. These variables were evaluating using Hayes’ PROCESS macro to produce path analyses that tested three models using single personality traits. The main results found: 1) three models of five scales representing optimal sexuality components (i.e., Presence, Embodiment, and Absorption; Communication and Empathy; Vulnerability and Surrender; Exploration, Interpersonal Risk-Taking, and Fun; and Transcendence and Transformation) that either fully or partial mediated the relationship between facets of personality and sexual satisfaction, and 2) a positive direct relationship between openness and agreeableness with sexual satisfaction, and a negative direct relationship between neuroticism and sexual satisfaction. Furthermore, gender differences in excellent sexual experiences in relationships and personality variables were identified. A clinical implication of this study includes using the significant optimal sexuality mediators as targets of intervention to improve sexual satisfaction.
Recommended Citation
Viscione, Elizabeth-Ann Rando, "OPTIMAL SEXUALITY AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH PERSONALITY AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION" (2025). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 4516.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/4516