The Mediating Role of Marital Quality in the Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors and Sexual Satisfaction

Background Sexual satisfaction is a vital component of individual and relational well-being and is influenced by a complex interplay of psychological, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors. Identifying and understanding these factors are crucial for designing effective interventions and educational programs aimed at enhancing marital relationships and promoting sexual satisfaction among couples. The aim of the study was evaluation of the mediating role of marital quality in the relationship between psychosocial factors and sexual Satisfaction in young heterosexual Iranian couples. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 participants (160 married couples) in Iran. Data were collected through validated self-report questionnaires assessing marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and marital communication (ENRICH questionnaire), along with a validated measure of psychosocial factors related to sexuality. Participants were randomly selected from local health centers. Data were analyzed using SPSS and the PROCESS macro to assess direct and indirect associations among the study variables. Results The results showed that psychosocial factors, including abstract sexual norms and sexual agency scripts, had significant total and direct effects on sexual satisfaction. In contrast, the total and indirect effects of sexual self-concept on sexual satisfaction were not significant, while its direct effect remained significant. Conclusion The findings suggest that sexual satisfaction is influenced by key psychosocial factors such as sexual norms and sexual agency scripts, which operate both directly and indirectly through marital dynamics. However, sexual self-concept appears to affect sexual satisfaction primarily through a direct pathway, independent of marital relationship quality. These results emphasize the importance of addressing individual psychological and sociocultural dimensions in programs designed to enhance marital and sexual well-being. Clinical trial number: Not applicable