ABSTRACT
S elf-esteem issues have been linked to a variety of sexuality problems in adults and couples, including difficulties with sexual desire, love, and inti-macy. The interaction between sexuality and self-esteem can be seen from many different perspectives. While self-esteem appears as a variable in the literature of adolescent sexual development, it seems to be regarded differently when applied to adult sexual development. This change may stem from adolescent sexuality literature being influenced by the sexuality education and developmental psychology, in which concepts such as self-esteem development play a clear practical and conceptual role. For example, in the adolescent sexuality literature, low selfesteem is indicated as a predictor of risky behaviors such as sexual promiscuity and related behaviors (Spencer, Zimet, Aalsma, & Orr, 2002). Sex education programs often use self-esteem building activities to promote positive sexual decision making and to decrease risk-taking behaviors in adolescents (Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States [SIECUS], 2008). Positive self-esteem is seen as a foundation on which healthy sexuality is built.
