Emotional Intelligence, Sexual Functioning, and Subjective Sexual Well-being in Portuguese Adults

Abstract

Not many studies exist that relate emotional intelligence with sexual variables, such as sexual functioning and subjective sexual well-being. In order to fill the gap in the research, we developed this study with the following objectives. First, we aim to assess levels of emotional intelligence, sexual functioning, and subjective sexual well-being in a large sample of Portuguese adults. Second, we seek to compare differences in emotional intelligence, sexual functioning, and subjective sexual well-being between genders and age groups. Finally our goal is to determine the association between emotional intelligence, and sexual functioning and subjective sexual well-being. The sample consists of 1,421 individuals, who are predominantly female (818, 57.6%), between the ages of 18 and 83 years. The average age of participants is 38.76 years old (SD = 13.67). We use Schutte’s Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, and the Subjective Sexual Well-being Questionnaire as research instruments. Overall results identify high levels of emotional intelligence, sexual functioning, and subjective sexual well-being. Significant differences concerning emotional intelligence are found between genders (women present higher scores than men), age (older participants demonstrate higher scores than younger participants), and also for sexual functioning and sexual subjective well-being (men present higher scores than women). There are significant, but mild, levels of association between emotional intelligence and sexual variables. These results allow us to better inform professionals who work, either in the area of emotional intelligence, or in the field of sexuality.