A qualitative exploration of the psychosocial factors of sexual satisfaction in Iranian newlyweds

Abstract

Background Psychosocial factors related to sexuality, such as gender expectations and interpersonal dynamics, influence sexual satisfaction, and identifying these factors is beneficial for developing educational programs for newly married couples. However, evidence regarding these psychosocial factors in the Iranian sociocultural context is limited. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify the psychosocial factors influencing sexual satisfaction among newly married couples.Method This study employed a qualitative content analysis approach. It involved 31 heterosexual newly married individuals who had been sexually active for less than two years. Purposive sampling was used and continued until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected through 36 semi-structured interviews, including 31 individual interviews and 5 couple interviews, and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The reporting of this qualitative study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.Results Premarital sexual norms, sexual schemas, and sexual agency and control. were the three main psychosocial categories identified through the qualitative analysis. Social norms reflected taboos on sexual self-disclosure, social norms of restraint sexual desires, and the obligation to preserve virginity in women. Sexual schemas encompassed sexual fantasies, attitudes toward sexual issues, and perceived sexual competence, while sexual agency and control involved sexual awareness and skills, sex as a means of conflict resolution, and controlling sex.Conclusion The findings provide insight into the key psychosocial dimensions underlying sexual satisfaction among newly married couples in Iran. These findings provide a culturally grounded understanding of how social norms, sexual schemas, and sexual agency shape sexual experiences and may inform the development of culturally sensitive sexual education, counseling, and intervention programs aimed at promoting sexual well-being and marital adjustment.