Impact of Sexual Self-Esteem on Emotional Connection Mediated by Interpersonal Vulnerability

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of sexual self-esteem on emotional connection in romantic relationships, with interpersonal vulnerability as a mediating variable. A descriptive correlational design was employed, involving a sample of 360 adults in committed romantic relationships residing in urban areas of Morocco. Participants were selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table and completed validated questionnaires measuring sexual self-esteem, interpersonal vulnerability, and emotional connection. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, and AMOS-21 for structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess direct, indirect, and total effects among variables and model fit. Pearson correlations revealed a significant positive association between sexual self-esteem and emotional connection (r = .52, p < .01), a negative association between sexual self-esteem and interpersonal vulnerability (r = –.48, p < .01), and a negative association between interpersonal vulnerability and emotional connection (r = –.43, p < .01). SEM results indicated that sexual self-esteem had a significant direct effect on emotional connection (β = 0.39, p < .001) and a significant indirect effect through interpersonal vulnerability (β = 0.15, p < .001). The total effect of sexual self-esteem on emotional connection was β = 0.54 (p < .001). The model demonstrated good fit indices: χ²/df = 1.94, GFI = 0.95, CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, and RMSEA = 0.051. The findings support that sexual self-esteem is a significant predictor of emotional connection in romantic relationships and that this relationship is partially mediated by interpersonal vulnerability. Enhancing individuals’ sexual self-esteem and reducing vulnerability may foster deeper emotional intimacy. The model provides a theoretical and empirical foundation for interventions targeting emotional closeness through intrapersonal growth.