Predictors of sexual attitudes in arranged marriages: the mediating role of sexual intercourse frequency.

INTRODUCTION

Sexual attitudes in arranged marriages are shaped by sociocultural norms, gender roles, and intramarital relational dynamics, yet the mechanisms underlying these attitudes remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and marital characteristics and sexual attitudes among individuals in arranged marriages, and to explore the mediating role of sexual intercourse frequency within this population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 520 married adults (280 women and 240 men) who had entered arranged marriages. Data were collected through an online survey using a sociodemographic information form and the Hendrick Sexual Attitudes Scale (HSAS). Group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine direct and indirect associations among variables. The primary outcome was sexual attitude score measured by the HSAS.

RESULTS

Male gender, younger age, and higher educational level were significantly associated with more positive sexual attitudes (P <.05). The structural model demonstrated good fit indices (χ2/df = 2.45, CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.939, RMSEA = 0.051, SRMR = 0.044) and explained 38% of the variance in sexual attitudes. Structural Equation Modeling showed that male gender (β = 0.16) and higher education (β = 0.21) were significantly associated with more positive sexual attitudes, whereas older age (β = -0.12) was significantly associated with less positive sexual attitudes. Interventions aimed at supporting regular sexual interaction and addressing relational changes associated with long-term marriage and parenthood may help maintain positive sexual attitudes in arranged marriages.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that sexual attitudes among individuals in arranged marriages are associated with both sociodemographic characteristics and intramarital sexual interaction patterns. Within the proposed model, sexual intercourse frequency emerged as a significant mediator of these associations.