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An Investigation of Female Sexual Self-Esteem in Heterosexual, Pre AN INVESTIGATION OF FEMALE SEXUAL SELF-ESTEEM IN HETEROSEXUAL, PRE-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN ENGAGED IN CONTINUOUS LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS by KRISTELLE D. HEINRICHS A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES GRADUATE COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM We accept this thesis as conforming To the required standard ............................................................................... Chuck MacKnee, Ph.D., Thesis Supervisor ................................................................................ Faith Auton-Cuff, Ph.D., Second Reader ............................................................................ José Domene, Ph.D., Thesis Coordinator ........................................................................... Celeste Snowber, Ph.D., External Examiner TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY February 2007 © Kristelle D. Heinrichs Female Sexual Self-Esteem ii Abstract Although research is beginning to expand the knowledge base surrounding female sexual issues, very little is actually known about what facilitates or hinders a woman’s sexual self-esteem or what treatment options may be utilized by professionals to help with a low sexual self-esteem. In light of this lack of knowledge this study sought to explore what facilitates or hinders female sexual self-esteem. Seventeen participants were recruited through an informational TV show about the research study and by word of mouth. They were premenopausal females, aged from 24 to 39, who were in long term heterosexual relationships. Using the Critical Incident Technique (Flanagan, 1954; Woosley, 1986), individual semi-structured interviews were employed to explore the range of issues and circumstances that had a negative or positive impact on the women’s present levels of sexual self-esteem. Demographic data were also collected through the use of a demographics survey form. Data analysis revealed 31 total categories, 14 helpful and 17 hindering which affected female sexual self-esteem as described by the participants. The 31 categories were broken down into six main themes to facilitate greater understanding and discussion. The six themes found were: (a) Sexual Self-Esteem in Relation to Husbands, Boyfriends, and Other Males; (b) Sexual Self-Esteem in Relation to Women’s Bodies, (c) Sexual Self-Esteem in Relation to Self-Empowerment, (d) Sexual Self-Esteem in Relation with Damaging Experiences and Learning, (e) Sexual Self-Esteem in Relation with Interference of Life stressors and Sexual Scripting, and (f) Sexual Self-Esteem in Relation to the Topic and Engagement of Sex. The results imply that female sexual self- esteem is impacted by many biopsychosocial factors and it is necessary to consider these Female Sexual Self-Esteem iii factors within a holistic view of and treatment approach for women. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the importance of learning more about female sexual self-esteem for women, their partners, and clinicians. Female Sexual Self-Esteem iv Table of Contents Abstract............................................................................................................................... ii Table of Contents...............................................................................................................iv List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... xi Acknowledgements........................................................................................................... xii Chapter I: Introduction.........................................................................................................1 Chapter II: Literature Review ..............................................................................................6 General Concept of the Self in Psychology .............................................................6 An Introduction to Self-Esteem across the Life-Span .............................................9 An Introduction to the Female Self........................................................................13 Socialization Theories................................................................................14 An Introduction to Sexuality..................................................................................18 Biological Essentialism..............................................................................19 Social Constructionist ................................................................................20 An Introduction to Female Sexuality.....................................................................23 An Introduction to Sexual Self-Esteem .................................................................27 Chapter III: Methodology ..................................................................................................32 Overview of Research Strategy .............................................................................32 Definition of critical incident.....................................................................34 Appropriateness of CIT as a Research Methodology ............................................36 Role of the Researcher...........................................................................................36 Data Collection Procedures....................................................................................37 Recruitment................................................................................................37 Female Sexual Self-Esteem v Participants.................................................................................................38 Data collection and recording ....................................................................41 Data Analysis Procedures ......................................................................................43 Reliability and Validity..........................................................................................45 Chapter IV: Results............................................................................................................49 Categories that Describe What Helps Female Sexual Self-Esteem.......................49 1. Experience of a Loving, Open, Stable and Respectful Relationship with their Partner (43 incidents, 15 participants).................................49 a. Love and care in a relationship ................................................50 b. Stability and commitment in the relationship ..........................51 c. Openness in communication in the relationship ......................52 d. Demonstrated respect from the partner to the participant and other women.............................................................................53 2. Confidence in Self and Autonomy (22 incidents, 11 participants)......54 a. Self-confidence ........................................................................54 b. Personal autonomy...................................................................55 3. Openness and Comfort about Sexuality (17 incidents, 7 participants)57 a. Openness from parents and friends about sexuality ................57 b. Increased personal comfort with sexuality due to maturational processes ..................................................................................59 c. Increased personal comfort with the issue of sexuality leading to greater personal comfort ......................................................60 Female Sexual Self-Esteem vi 4. Advances, Attention or Interest from Males (10 incidents, 4 participants)..........................................................................................60 a. Advances, attention or interest demonstrated by partner.........61 b. Advances, attention or interest demonstrated by a male other than the sexual partner .............................................................62 5. Enhancement of and Satisfaction with Physical Appearance (9 incidents, 4 participants) ......................................................................63 a. Exercise....................................................................................63 b. Satisfaction with clothing and appearance...............................64 c. Acceptance and working through physical changes associated with pregnancy.........................................................................64 6. Positive Modelling of Relationships (7 incidents, 4 participants) .......65 a. Positive modelling of handling of relational changes..............65 b. Positive male role models ........................................................65 7. Self-Defined Positive Sexual Choices (6 incidents, 4 participants) ....66 a. Waiting until older to become sexually active.........................66 b. Positive first sexual experience................................................67 c. Maintaining virginity ...............................................................67 8. Sexual Empowerment (4 incidents, 3 participants) .............................68 9. Bonding Through Crisis (3 incidents, 2 participants)..........................69 10. Understanding the Needs of their Partner (3 incidents, 2 participants)..........................................................................................70 a. Understanding the needs of the partner ...................................70 Female Sexual Self-Esteem vii b. Matching physical responsiveness...........................................71 11. Engaging in Sexual Intercourse (2 incidents, 2 participants)
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