Work

Sense of coherence as moderator of the predictive power of personality variables on sexual satisfaction—a structural equation modeling approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction The prediction of general health outcomes, such as life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing, by the Big Five personality traits is improved by additionally considering Sense of coherence ( SOC ). This study aims to examine whether SOC mediates the association of Big Five personality traits and Sexual satisfaction as psychological facet of sexual health. Methods N = 206 German adults (aged 18–60) answered items on socio-demography and sexual orientation/behavior, the short Big Five Inventory (BFI-K), the SOC-L9 and the self-centered subscale of the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS-E) in an online survey. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling were used (maximum likelihood estimation). Results Model modifications ensured satisfactory to good CFA model fits for the BFI-K, SOC-L9 and NSSS-E (CFI = 0.972–0.992; RMSEA = 0.024–0.072). In particular, the SOC-L9 items had to be assigned to the two newly defined sub-factors Sense of meaningfulness and manageability (SOC-MM) and Sense of comprehensibility (SOC-CP). Sexual satisfaction proved to be a second-order factor underlying the first-order components Intensity , Emotionality and Orgasm . 20% of the variance in Sexual satisfaction can be predicted by SOC-MM (β = 0.57, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.940; RMSEA = 0.051), in particular. The predictive power of the Big Five-facets Neuroticism and Openness is fully mediated by SOC-MM (Δχ 2 df = 5 = 9.035, p = 0.108). Living in a partnership corresponds to higher SOC-MM and Sexual satisfaction . Being heterosexual also corresponds to enhanced SOC. Discussion The association of the Big Five personality traits and Sexual satisfaction can be considered as fully mediated by SOC-MM . The link between SOC-MM for satisfaction with sexual experience and behavior thus appears to be essential in order to improve the understanding and promotion of Sexual satisfaction and health.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1673425

Authors: Aline von Hinrichs, Markus Antonius Wirtz

Institution: University of Education Freiburg

Language: English

Topic: Health, psychology, and well-being

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801