Cultural Influences on Sexuality: Examining Sexual Destiny and Sexual Growth Beliefs in Iran and Canada

Abstract

This study examines cross-cultural differences in implicit sexual beliefs—specifically, sexual destiny and sexual growth beliefs—among Iranian and Canadian adults in romantic relationships. It also investigates how these beliefs relate to sexual, relational, and psychological well-being. Using a preregistered, cross-sectional design, 450 Iranians and 390 Canadians completed measures assessing implicit sexual beliefs, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, life satisfaction, sexual incompatibility, religiosity, cultural identification, depressive symptoms, sexual anxiety, and independent/interdependent self-construals. Iranians reported higher levels of both sexual destiny and, unexpectedly, sexual growth beliefs compared to Canadians. While religiosity and cultural identification did not consistently predict belief endorsement, older Iranians endorsed stronger sexual destiny beliefs. Among individuals who perceived sexual incompatibility, higher sexual destiny beliefs were linked to lower sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction. In contrast, sexual growth beliefs predicted greater sexual desire and relationship satisfaction regardless of incompatibility. Culture and sexual compatibility moderated some of these associations. Additionally, higher sexual growth beliefs were significantly associated with lower sexual anxiety. These findings highlight both cultural differences and similarities in implicit sexual beliefs and underscore their implications for well-being, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to sexuality research and clinical practice.