Multidimensional Sexual Perfectionism, Sexuality and Sexual Function: A Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Investigation

In this article, research by Stoeber, Harvey, Almeida and Lyons (2013) was replicated and extended by investigating the relationships between the four forms of multidimensional sexual perfectionism (self-oriented, partner-oriented, partner-prescribed and socially prescribed) and sexual anxiety, sexual problem self-blame, sexual esteem, and male and female sexual function in a combined sample of university students and internet users. All relationships were investigated cross-sectionally and over a 12-week time interval. Participants completed measures of multidimensional sexual perfectionism (self-oriented, partner-oriented, partner-prescribed and socially prescribed), sexual anxiety, sexual problem self-blame, sexual esteem, and male or female sexual function at Time 1 (n = 464) and Time 2 (n = 213). Consistent with Stoeber et al.’s (2013) findings, results revealed unique patterns of relationships for the four forms of sexual perfectionism and sexual anxiety, sexual problem self-blame, and sexual esteem. Furthermore, unique patterns of relationships were observed between the four forms of sexual perfectionism and aspects of female sexual function. All findings provide further support for Stoeber et al.’s observation that some forms of sexual perfectionism are more adaptive than others. Importantly, partner-prescribed sexual perfectionism emerged as the most maladaptive form, predicting longitudinal increases in sexual anxiety and longitudinal decreases in sexual esteem in women. Furthermore, it predicted longitudinal decreases in male and female sexual function suggesting partner-prescribed sexual perfectionism is an important personality characteristic that contributes to lower levels of sexual function, warranting further research. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.