I want your sex: The role of sexual exploration in fostering positive sexual self-concepts for heterosexual and sexual minority women

Mike C. Parent, Amelia E. Talley, Esther N. Schwartz, David W. Hancock

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Openness and self-exploration have been associated with myriad benefits. Within the realm of sexuality, sexual exploration may be 1 facet of openness and self-exploration that yields benefits. Prior literature suggests that such exploration may have benefits for sexual orientation minority persons, though limited research has investigated the benefits of sexual exploration for heterosexuals. The present study used data from 346 adult women (185 exclusively heterosexual, 161 not exclusively heterosexual) to investigate the role of sexual exploration as a mediator between sexual orientation status and positivity toward sex. Results of a structural equation modeling analysis supported mediation of the relationship between sexual orientation and sexual positivity via sexual exploration. Implications for future research and clinical interventions are presented.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)199-204
Number of pages6
JournalPsychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
Volume2
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Exploration
  • Positive psychology
  • Sexual orientation
  • Sexual self-concept
  • Sexuality

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