Looking at the bigger picture: Young men's sexual health from a psychological perspective

J Health Psychol. 2018 Feb;23(2):345-358. doi: 10.1177/1359105317733321. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Abstract

Researchers have seldom compared how various psychological factors relate to men's sexual health. We sought to identify whether and how psychological risk factors (i.e. anxiety sensitivity, emotion regulation, psychological distress) predict men's sexual health (i.e. functioning, sexual quality of life, frequency of sexual activity). Men ( N = 306) completed an online survey measuring emotional, psychological, and sexual outcomes. Comparisons of four path analysis models suggested that psychological risk factors are related to some but not all sexual health markers. We will highlight the factors that may place young men at risk for developing mental and sexual health difficulties.

Keywords: anxiety; emotions; men’s health; risk factors; sexual health.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Emotions*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men / psychology*
  • Men's Health* / statistics & numerical data
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Health* / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult