A rapid review of sexual wellbeing definitions and measures: should we now include sexual wellbeing freedom?

Lorimer, K., De Amicis, L., Dalrymple, J., Frankis, J., Jackson, L., Lorgelly, P., McMillan, L. and Ross, J. (2019) A rapid review of sexual wellbeing definitions and measures: should we now include sexual wellbeing freedom? Journal of Sex Research, 56(7), pp. 843-853. (doi: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1635565)

[img] Text
223663.pdf - Accepted Version

554kB

Abstract

An increasing number of studies refer to sexual wellbeing and/or seek to measure it, and the term appears across various policy documents, including sexual health frameworks in the UK. We conducted a rapid review to determine how sexual wellbeing has been defined, qualitatively explored and quantitatively measured. Eligible studies selected for inclusion from OVID Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL were: in English language, published after 2007, were peer-reviewed full articles, focused on sexual wellbeing (or proxies for, e.g. satisfaction, function), and quantitatively or qualitatively assessed sexual wellbeing. We included studies with participants aged 16–65. Given study heterogeneity, our synthesis and findings are reported using a narrative approach. We identified 162 papers, of which 10 offered a definition of sexual wellbeing. Drawing upon a socio-ecological model, we categorised the 59 dimensions we identified from studies under three main domains: cognitive-affect (31 dimensions); inter-personal (22 dimensions); and socio-cultural (6 dimensions). Only 11 papers were categorised under the socio-cultural domain, commonly focusing on gender inequalities or stigma. We discuss the importance of conceptualising sexual wellbeing as individually experienced but socially and structurally influenced, including assessing sexual wellbeing freedom: a person’s freedom to achieve sexual wellbeing, or their real opportunities and liberties.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office [CGA-17-33].
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:De Amicis, Dr Leyla
Authors: Lorimer, K., De Amicis, L., Dalrymple, J., Frankis, J., Jackson, L., Lorgelly, P., McMillan, L., and Ross, J.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Creativity Culture and Faith
Journal Name:Journal of Sex Research
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0022-4499
ISSN (Online):1559-8519
Published Online:23 July 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
First Published:First published in Journal of Sex Research 56(7):843-853
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record