Effect of Psychological Distress on Sexual Satisfaction: Mediated by Communication Avoidance

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of psychological distress on sexual satisfaction in married adults, with communication avoidance explored as a mediating variable. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, and a sample of 330 married individuals from Qatar was selected using Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size determination table. Participants completed three standardized instruments: the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the Communication Patterns Questionnaire – Short Form (CPQ-SF), and the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS). Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive and correlational statistics, and AMOS-21 was used to test the structural equation model (SEM). Model fit was evaluated using indices such as χ²/df, CFI, TLI, GFI, AGFI, and RMSEA. Pearson correlation analysis showed that psychological distress was significantly negatively correlated with sexual satisfaction (r = –.52, p < .001) and positively correlated with communication avoidance (r = .47, p < .001). Communication avoidance also had a significant negative correlation with sexual satisfaction (r = –.45, p < .001). SEM results confirmed a good model fit (χ²/df = 2.11; CFI = .96; RMSEA = .057). Psychological distress had a significant direct effect on sexual satisfaction (β = –0.38, p < .001) and an indirect effect through communication avoidance (β = –0.15, p < .001), confirming the partial mediating role of communication avoidance. The findings suggest that psychological distress undermines sexual satisfaction both directly and indirectly by fostering communication avoidance in intimate relationships. Interventions targeting emotional regulation and open communication may help improve sexual and relational outcomes among distressed couples, particularly in culturally conservative contexts.