Only for men—emotional and psychological well-being were positively predicted by sociosexual behavior and negatively predicted by desire

Sociosexual Orientations and Well-Being: Differences Across Gender. Ana Blasco-Belled et al. International Journal of Sexual Health, Nov 17 2021. https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2021.1998284

Abstract

Background

Sociosexuality explains whether people hold an (un)restricted orientation toward casual sex, and its effects on well-being are inconclusive. This study investigates how specifically the facets of sociosexuality relate to three components of well-being in men and women.

Methods: Self-report measures of sociosexuality and well-being were assessed in 556 Polish adults. 

Results: Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed differences in sociosexual attitudes and desire across gender. Structural equation models showed significant results only for men—emotional and psychological well-being were positively predicted by sociosexual behavior and negatively predicted by desire. 

Conclusions: Sociosexuality predicted well-being differently across gender.

Keywords: Sociosexualitywell-beingmental healthgender differences