title: Psychosocial and sexual functioning in women with Turner syndrome.
abstract: Survey data on the sexual and social functioning of 80 adult women with Turner syndrome are described, as well as data regarding health status and self-concept. Each woman completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, sections of the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory, and a questionnaire covering a wide range of demographic and medical information. The women with Turner syndrome reported lower self-concept compared to a normative sample. Sexual attitudes, gender role identity, and body image were assessed. The women with Turner syndrome tended to exhibit more conservative sexual attitudes and a more negative body image. In contrast to a normative sample, the women with Turner syndrome were less likely to have been sexually active. In addition, those currently involved in a stable relationship reported a lower frequency of sexual intercourse compared to a normative sample, although they generally reported moderate to high levels of sexual satisfaction. Regression analyses revealed that health status was associated with self-concept, and that sexual satisfaction was related to both a higher frequency of intercourse and a higher self-reported health status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pavlidis
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McCauley
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Sybert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D014424:Turner Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*