Sexual desire discrepancies: Effects on sexual and relationship satisfaction in heterosexual dating couples

Abstract

Sexual desire discrepancies and the associations between desire discrepancies and relationship adjustment (i.e., sexual and relationship satisfaction) in heterosexual dating couples (N = 72) were examined Desire discrepancies were assessed via two methods: (1) a couple-based index created using both individuals' reports of sexual desire and (2) an individual-based index using each person's own subjective perception of a desire discrepancy within the couple. Both indices were associated with women's adjustment, whereas only individual perceptions of discrepancies were associated with men's adjustment. The association between desire discrepancies and general relationship satisfaction was fully mediated by level of sexual satisfaction for both men and women. Women whose sexual desire level was lower than their partners' endorsed lower levels of relationship adjustment relative to women whose desire was either greater than or similar to their partners'. Implications for the assessment of sexual desire differences in couples are discussed.