The relationship between depression and sexual satisfaction: An equation model analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Previous research suggests a link between depression and sexual satisfaction in middle-aged women, but evidence is limited.
• This study addresses the insufficient evidence by evaluating the relationship between depression and sexual satisfaction using established models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between depression and sexual satisfaction in middle-aged women.
• To analyze two equation models: depression-sexual satisfaction and sexual satisfaction-depression.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 190 middle-aged women in Isfahan, Iran (2021).
• Self-report questionnaires assessed women's sexual satisfaction and depression levels (General Health Questionnaire).
• Multivariate linear regression and Amos software were used for data analysis and model fit evaluation.

Main Results:

• Depression scores showed an inverse relationship with the relational concern dimension of sexual satisfaction (Beta = -0.27, P = 0.006).
• The sexual satisfaction-depression model demonstrated a better fit than the depression-sexual satisfaction model (CMIN/DF = 1.123, P = 0.64).

Conclusions:

• Depression in middle-aged women is significantly associated with relational concerns affecting sexual satisfaction.
• Integrating counseling programs focused on sexual relationship concerns is recommended for mental health promotion in this demographic.