The Role of Basic Needs in Sexual Satisfaction Among Syrian Refugee Spouses in Jordan

Abstract

The pleasure of having a sexual relationship between spouses is a real indicator of family stability and satisfaction. This study examined the impact of basic needs (competence, relatedness, and autonomy) on sexual satisfaction among Syrian refugee spouses. It was a qualitative study that used a structured interview as a tool to collect data. The interviewees were 24 males and females (married) from Syrian refugees in Jordan (Mafraq Governorate). The data analysis tool was the thematic approach of Braun and Clarke (2006). This study was based on the self-determination theory (Basic Need Theory) of Deci and Ryan (2000). The findings of the study were: (i) Syrian refugee spouses bore the challenging status of being refugees in Jordan, which affected their sexual satisfaction; (ii) the early marriage of Syrian refugee youth influenced their sexual satisfaction; (iii), age played a major role in constructing sexual satisfaction among the spouses; and (iv), Syrian refugee spouses were affected by their status as refugees in Jordan, which had influenced their sexual relationships; (v) the patriarchal norm had a negative effect on the sexual satisfaction of the Syrian refugee spouses. The study concluded that the sexual satisfaction among Syrian refugee spouses was low due to their miserable economic and social situation.