YOGYAKARTA Doubts and feeling uncomfortable with yourself in a sexual context, are experienced by many married couples. This is closely related to the so-called sexual self-esteem, or self-respect in sexual life. This term refers to the extent to which a person feels positive, comfortable, and is confident with themselves as individuals who are sexually active.

Sexual self-esteem includes the way we view our bodies, respond to sexual desires, to how freely we express ourselves in relationships. Launching Psychology Today, Monday, July 7, sexual self-esteem is not only influenced by sexual experiences, but also by other factors such as gender, social relationships, past experiences, to mental and physical conditions.

Research shows that people who are in long-term relationships tend to have higher sexual self-esteem. This may be due to a sense of security and comfort in expressing oneself sexually.

However, interestingly, there are also many single people who actually show a high level of sexual confidence. Especially those who accept and have a positive view of their sexuality without relying on the validation of their partners.

In a study published by Roshan Chesli and research team in the journal Psychology: Reflectmen's e Cr?ita published in 2024, it was found that sexual self-esteem has a strong relationship with sexual functions in women. The study involved more than 500 women of reproductive age and observed the link between sexual self-esteem, sexual desire, and assertive communication in sexual life.

The results are quite clear, showing that the higher a person's sexual self-esteem, the better their sexual function will be. Starting from passion, lubrication, orgasm, to sexual satisfaction. That is, positive feelings for oneself sexually have not only an impact on mental conditions, but also on the quality of sexual life as a whole.

Sexual self-esteem is not only a matter of performance or skills in bed, but also includes the right to a sense of security, dignity, and self-expression. A person who has a healthy self-esteem tends:

To increase self-confidence in the sexual aspect, or sexual self-esteem, it can be started by recognizing the body properly without judging its shape or function. Furthermore, self-confidence in the sexual aspect is built through communication of sexual needs and limitations in your relationship with your partner. It is also important to practice self-similarity, or self-compassion, by not comparing yourself to other people's standards or expectations.

Furthermore, building a sexual self-esteem can focus on personal comfort and get healthy sexual education, including emotional and psychological aspects. It should be understood, sexual self-esteem is an important part of mental and emotional health. That is, with this we can build a healthy relationship with our own body and sexuality to improve the quality of sexual life with our partners and strengthen self-confidence and happiness in general.


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