Meanings of Sexuality in Marriage and Their Associated Factors

Abstract This cross-sectional study examines the meanings of marital sexuality among 180 Vietnamese couples aged 20–40, and their associated factors. The meanings of marital sexuality included: sex as an indicator of couple cohesion and personal image, sex as a reproductive means, and sex as a means for personal pleasure. The results show that the longer the marriage, the higher the level that couples agreed on marital sexuality as a reproductive means and sexual pleasure. The number of children and premarital sex significantly predicted the agreements of marital sexuality as an indicator of couple cohesion and personal image. Being younger and having been married for a longer time were found to be the significant predictors of agreements on marital sexuality as a reproductive means and a means for personal pleasure. The study results highlight the importance of sexuality and its perceived meanings among married couples, and its practical implications in couple counseling and family therapy.