Women's Sexual Health

• Published in: Women's Health Psychology pp. 279 - 304
• Main Authors: Morokoff, Patricia J, Gorraiz, Maggie L
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 04.02.2013
• Subjects: abuse histories; consensual sex; gender socialization; women's sexual health
• DOI: 10.1002/9781394260454.ch12
• ISBN: 9780470890660; 0470890665

In this chapter, the authors present a model for women's sexual health and discuss the relevant research literature supporting components of this model. They begin by considering barriers to healthy sexuality for women, then present the research literature relating to each dimension of healthy sexuality. Gender socialization has been found to influence sexual satisfaction in lesbian and bisexual women as well as heterosexual women. Consensual sex requires an ongoing, active process of communication that is the responsibility of both partners. However, women with abuse histories reported more negative affect. Sexual health is a strong contributor to overall health and satisfying relationships. Achievements that women have made in the recognition of the importance of individual sexual goals (satisfaction and sexual autonomy) must be matched by respect for these phenomena in relationships with partners. Finally, the authors consider the balance between relational and individual goals with respect to sexuality.