The moderating effect of sexual violence on the association between sexual communication and sexual satisfaction among Asian immigrants

Sexual satisfaction is an indicator of life satisfaction. Lack of communication during sex may increase the risk of sexual violence. However, sexual violence has been less well studied as a moderator of the association between sexual communication and couples’ sexual satisfaction. In this study, we aimed to understand the moderating effect of sexual violence on the association between sexual communication and sexual satisfaction among Asian immigrants in Taiwan. A cross-sectional design and a structured questionnaire consisting of the Sexual Communication Scale, Sexual Violence Scale, and Sexual Satisfaction Scale were adopted, 1709 representative Asian immigrants were surveyed, and 912 completed questionnaires were analysed. Sexual communication was positively correlated with sexual satisfaction (r =.41), and sexual violence was negatively correlated with sexual satisfaction (r = −.19). Moreover, the moderating effect of sexual violence was significant (β =.06, p <.05). In supplementary analyses, sexual satisfaction was highest among participants with sexual communication but without sexual violence, while that of participants was lowest with sexual violence but without sexual communication. This study highlights the importance of emphasising sexual communication and the impact of sexual violence on sexual satisfaction. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT: The present study supports the subtle influence of sexual violence on the association between sexual communication and sexual satisfaction. Healthcare providers should try to improve immigrants’ sexual communication skills, detect sexual violence early, and provide appropriate referrals.