Sexual behaviour and relationship satisfaction in young adults

Background: Relationship satisfaction is a crucial component of overall well-being, influenced by multiple psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors. Sexuality plays a fundamental role in intimate relationships, yet the specific dimensions of sexual behavior contributing to relationship satisfaction remain underexplored, particularly in non-Western populations. Objective: The present study explores the association between different dimensions of sexual behavior and relationship satisfaction among young adults. Method: A sample of 150 Indian young adults (M = 2 3.03, SD = 2.3 9) with prior sexual relationship experience participated in the study. Relationship fulfillment was measured Exercising the Relationship Appraisal Scale( RAS), and different dimensions of sexual geste were estimated through the Multidimensional Sexuality Survey( MSQ). To explore the confederations between these factors, Pearson’s relationship disquisition was employed. Results: Findings revealed significant positive correlations were found between relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction (r = . 5 95, p < .0 01), sexual esteem (r = 2 81, p < .0 01), sexual assertiveness (r = .2 48, p = .002), sexual consciousness (r = .313, p < .001), sexual motivation (r = .181, p = .0 27), and internal sexual control (r = .258, p = .001). In contrast, negative but significant correlations were observed with sexual anxiety (r = –.255, p = .002), sexual depression (r = –.4 00, p < .0 01), and fear of sexual relationships (r = –.1 95, p = .0 1 7). However, external sexual control (r = –.0 9 1, p = .2 66), sexual monitoring (r = –.140, p = .087), and sexual preoccupation (r = –.0 7 5, p = .3 6 4) did not show significant associations with relationship satisfaction. Conclusion: The results indicate that positive sexual traits such as satisfaction, esteem, assertiveness, motivation, and awareness significantly enhance relationship satisfaction. Conversely, experiences of sexual anxiety, depression, and fear were linked to lower satisfaction. No meaningful association was found for external control, monitoring, or preoccupation with sexual thoughts. These findings emphasize the influence of both positive and negative sexual factors on the quality of romantic relationships, highlighting areas for future therapeutic and educational interventions.