Predictors of Perceived Positive and Negative Consequences of Sexual Compliance

Sexual compliance (i.e., consenting to sex without initial sexual desire) can have both positive and negative consequences for well-being. This study explored predictors of perceived consequences of sexual compliance in cisgendered men and women from a population-based, Finnish sample (men n = 449, women n = 499, age M = 34.1, relationship duration M = 8.9). We drew upon existing literature and theoretical frameworks to select the following predictors; sexual approach and avoidance motives, sexual self-efficacy, avoidant and anxious attachment, sexual self-esteem, sexual assertiveness, symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, sexual distress, dyadic sexual communication, dyadic trust, and partner’s sexual coercion. The predictors explained 31–38% of the variance in perceived positive consequences and 33–43% of the variance in perceived negative consequences of sexual compliance. Approach motives for sex had the strongest association with perceived positive consequences and having been sexually coerced by one’s partner and sexual distress had the strongest associations with perceived negative consequences of sexual compliance. There were some variations in the predictors between genders, but the differing predictors had weak effects on the perceived consequences. Our findings can help clinicians identify focus areas when working with clients who experience a desire discrepancy in their intimate relationships.