Gene X Environment Interactions and Pillow Talk: Investigating the Associations among the OXTR Gene, Orgasm, Post Sex Communication, and Relationship Satisfaction in Young Adult Relationships

ABSTRACT

The present investigation tested the effects of a gene x environment interaction on sexual communication and relational well-being. It was hypothesized that the interaction of variation in oxytocin receptor gene OXTR rs53576 and orgasm would predict post sex communication and subsequent relationship satisfaction. The results revealed that for women in the sample, orgasm was positively associated with disclosing positive thoughts and feelings for one’s partner after sexual activity, which in turn predicted greater relationship satisfaction, regardless of their genotype. The same model was supported for men with the GG genotype for OXTR rs53576, but not for those with the AA or AG genotypes, though the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small percentage of men who did not orgasm. The findings and their implications for the post sex disclosures model and research on sexual communication are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Post sex communication
• oxytocin receptor gene
• gene x environment interaction
• pillow talk
• orgasm

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Dr. Tamara Afifi and Dr. Douglas Granger for their guidance and support with the larger research project (of which this study is one part).

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Foundation for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Student Research Grant and The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction at Indiana University Student Research Grant.

Notes on contributors

Amanda Denes

Amanda Denes (Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Connecticut. Her primary area of specialization is interpersonal communication, with emphases in biosocial models of communication, sexual communication, and communication processes related to maintaining successful relationships.