The role of sexual mindfulness in sexual wellbeing

In this study we examine the role of sexual mindfulness in individuals’ sexual satisfaction, relational satisfaction, and self-esteem. Midlife U.S. men and women (N = 194 married, heterosexual individuals; 50.7% female; 94% Caucasian, age range 35–60 years) completed an online survey. More sexually mindful individuals tended to have better self-esteem, be more satisfied with their relationships and, particularly for women, be more satisfied with their sex lives. Some of these associations occurred even after controlling for trait mindfulness. These findings may also allow researchers and therapists to better address an individual’s sexual wellbeing, relational wellbeing, and self-esteem by teaching sexual mindfulness skills.

Maintaining a satisfying romantic relationship and sex life contributes to physical and mental wellbeing. Researchers have examined the role of trait mindfulness in enhancing healthy sexual relationships through greater intimacy and diminished cognitive distraction , which may contribute to healthy relationships and wellbeing.

Despite past research on trait mindfulness and romantic and sexual relationships, little work has considered sexual mindfulness, a sub-type of state mindfulness, which may be more closely tied to relationships. Practicing sexual mindfulness – that is, remaining mindful during sex in particular, a context that is often high in anxiety – may require greater application of attention and nonjudgment than practicing mindfulness in other less stressful settings. For example, being mindful while practicing yoga is quite different from maintaining mindfulness while having sex .

In the current study, we consider the contribution of sexual mindfulness to midlife adults’ sexual wellbeing, relational wellbeing, and self-esteem beyond the contribution of trait mindfulness. Trait mindfulness may be necessary but not sufficient for achieving mindfulness during sexual experiences. Individuals who are mindful in their daily routine may experience obstacles to mindfulness during sexual experiences, such as being overly goal-oriented, self-critical, or sexually anxious. Consequently, in contrast to other researchers who focus solely on trait mindfulness, we examine sexual mindfulness. Understanding the association of sexual mindfulness with sexual wellbeing, relational wellbeing, and self-esteem above and beyond the association with trait mindfulness could provide important information to intervention designers and relationship and sex therapists working with individuals and couples.