Lewis, R. , Bosó Pérez, R., Maxwell, K. J., Reid, D., Macdowall, W., Bonell, C., Fortenberry, J. D., Mercer, C. H., Sonnenberg, P. and Mitchell, K. R. (2024) Conceptualizing sexual wellbeing: a qualitative investigation to inform development of a measure (Natsal-SW). Journal of Sex Research, (doi: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2326933) (PMID:38517458) (Early Online Publication)
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Abstract
Despite increasing scientific and policy interest in sexual wellbeing, it remains poorly conceptualized. Many studies purporting to measure it instead measure related but distinct concepts, such as sexual satisfaction. This lack of conceptual clarity impedes understanding, measuring, and improving sexual wellbeing. We present qualitative research from multi-stage, mixed-methods work to develop a new measure of sexual wellbeing (Natsal-SW) for the fourth British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles. Literature review and discussion generated a conceptual framework with seven proposed domains: respect, self-esteem, comfort, self-determination, safety and security, forgiveness, and resilience. Semi-structured interviews with 40 adults aged 18–64 then explored whether and how these domains aligned with participants’ own understandings, experiences, and language of sexual wellbeing. Data were analyzed thematically. Participants conceptualized sexual wellbeing as distinct from sexual satisfaction and sexual health and as multidimensional, dynamic, and socially and structurally influenced. All seven proposed domains resonated with accounts of sexual wellbeing as a general construct. The personal salience of different domains and their dimensions varied between individuals (especially by gender and sexual orientation) and fluctuated individually over time. This study clarifies dimensions of domains that participants considered important, providing an empirical basis to inform development of a new measure of sexual wellbeing.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | The Natsal Resource is supported by a grant from the Wellcome Trust [212931/Z/18/Z], with contributions from the Economic and Social Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research. KRM and RL are supported by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council [MC_UU_12017/11 and MC_UU_00022/3] and the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office [SPHSU11 and SPHSU18]. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funders. |
| Keywords: | Sexual wellbeing, sexual health, measure development, qualitative research, population surveys. |
| Status: | Early Online Publication |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Mitchell, Professor Kirstin and Boso Perez, Ms Raquel and Lewis, Dr Ruth and Maxwell, Dr Karen |
| Authors: | Lewis, R., Bosó Pérez, R., Maxwell, K. J., Reid, D., Macdowall, W., Bonell, C., Fortenberry, J. D., Mercer, C. H., Sonnenberg, P., and Mitchell, K. R. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Sex Research |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis |
| ISSN: | 0022-4499 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1559-8519 |
| Published Online: | 22 March 2024 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2024 The Author(s) |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Sex Research 2024 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons license |
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