(63) SEXUAL SELF-CONCEPT OF MIDDLE-AGED MEN AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH THEIR SEX LIVES: RESULTS FROM THE BAVARIAN MEN’S HEALTH STUDY

Abstract Objectives The sexual self-concept is a major component of sexual health. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of different dimensions of the sexual self-concept with sexual activity, sexual satisfaction, and importance of sex-life of German men. Methods Included were 2,349 heterosexual men from the Bavarian Men's Health-Study. Parameters of sexual life were “sexual activity within the past three months” (sexual activity), “sexual satisfaction”, and “sexual importance”. We assessed four dimensions of the sexual self-concept, namely “body image”, “masculinity”, “sexual self-esteem”, and “perceived social pressure with regard to sexual performance”. For each dimension, a linear regression model was performed to assess associations with sexual activity, sexual satisfaction, and sexual importance controlling for the sexual parameters with adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results At the time of the survey, 18.7% of the men (mean age 50.4±0.8 years) were sexually active at least 2 times per week, 66.6% at least several times per month and 14.7% reported no sexual activity in the last 3 months. 45.9% reported being (very) satisfied with their sex-life, and 60.9% considered sexuality as (very) important. Higher sexual activity, higher satisfaction, and higher importance were associated with a more positive body image (each p<0.001), and a more positive sexual self-esteem (each p<0.001). Higher sexual activity, higher satisfaction and higher importance were associated with lower perceptions of social pressure (each p<0.01). There was no association between masculinity and sexual activity, sexual satisfaction, and sexual importance. Conclusions Higher sexual satisfaction, higher sexual importance, and higher sexual activity were associated with dimensions of the sexual self-concept. Positive perceptions of one's sexuality are associated with a more positive sexual self-concept. Conflicts of Interest The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.