While there are a number of different factors that can affect sexual self-esteem, some of the most common include relationships with significant others, body image, and previous experiences. The relationship a person has with his or her sexual partner can have a tremendous impact on his or her self-esteem. Someone who has a stronger or more satisfactory body image is also likely to have higher self-esteem with regard to his or her sexuality. Previous experiences, including past relationships or abuse, can also impact someone’s sexual self-esteem.
Sexual self-esteem refers to the way in which someone views his or her own sexuality and the feeling a person has regarding their worth and importance as a sexual entity. One of the most powerful factors that can impact this type of self-esteem is the relationship a person is currently in with his or her significant other. This can be either a positive or a negative factor; someone who feels like he or she is in a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship is likely to have high sexual self-esteem. People in destructive or disrespectful relationships, on the other hand, often feel worse about themselves sexually.
Body image can also have a tremendous impact on someone’s sexual self-esteem, and though this is true for both men and women it seems to have a greater influence on women. People who are not happy with how they look, usually due to weight gain or a similar physical change, may feel a lack of self-esteem in general that also translates into their view of themselves sexually. This can include physical changes and developments that occur as part of puberty, as well as an overall feeling of dissatisfaction regarding a person’s appearance. When someone feels good about his or her appearance, however, then it is likely to help boost that person’s sexual self-esteem and make him or her feel more worthwhile in a sexual context.
Past experiences are also an important factor for many people when it comes to sexual self-esteem. Victims of abuse, which can include physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, often have reduced self-esteem in general and this can impact his or her sense of sexual self-worth. Even someone’s upbringing can negatively impact his or her sexual self-esteem; someone taught to feel guilt regarding sexual urges may end up as an adult who still equates sexuality and shame. Healthy past experiences, however, can help someone develop stronger self-esteem in both general and sexual terms, which includes an upbringing in which sex is discussed without judgment and past relationships that are sexually healthy and rewarding.