Social-Demographic Predictors of Sexual Self-concept in Women on the Verge of Marriage: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A satisfying and proper sexual relationship that meets the needs of both spouses plays a crucial role in the stability and longevity of the family. Sexual self-concept is one of the factors affecting women s sexual behavior and performance and can be changed throughout life. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the status of sexual self-concept and its socio-demographic predictors of women on the verge of marriage. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 women referring to premarital counseling centers in Tabriz, Iran. The data collection tool was the questionnaire of personal and social characteristics and Snell s Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire. Pearson s correlation test, one-way analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression test were used in data analysis with SPSS software version 24. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of the positive sexual self-concept score was 117 (0.20) from the obtainable score of 0 - 176, and the mean (standard deviation) of the negative sexual self-concept score was 16 (0.7) from the obtainable score of 4 - 38. Additionally, the mean (standard deviation) of the sexual self-concept score was 44 (0.9) from the range of the obtainable score of 0 - 72. The results of multivariate analysis with multivariate linear regression test and control of confounding variables showed that the husband’s age, education, and mother s education were the predictors of positive sexual self-concept. Moreover, age, father s education, and duration of previous acquaintance were reported as predictors of negative sexual self-concept, and age was observed as a predictor of situational sexual self-concept. Conclusions: The study s findings indicated that age, education, parents education, and the duration of acquaintance with the future spouse could predict sexual self-concept in women approaching marriage without sexual abuse. Given that sexual self-concept evolves well before any sexual activity, policymakers can enhance women s sexual self-concept through interventions, such as psychological counseling with a focus on sexual health. This, in turn, can improve their overall well-being, ultimately supporting stable family foundations and successful childbearing in the future.