Does Clitoral Knowledge Translate into Orgasm? The Interplay Between Clitoral Knowledge, Gendered Sexual Scripts, and Orgasm Experience

Figures & data

Table 1. Bivariate correlations of all variables for women (left of diagonal) and men (right of diagonal).

Scale	1	2	3	4	5
1 Clitoral knowledge		.06 205	−.14* 205	.00 203	.01 205
2 Sexual pleasure	.12* 368		.21** 205	.10 205	.09 205
3 Orgasm rate (partnered sexual activity)	.02 368	.44** 368		.01 203	.04 205
4 Orgasm rate (masturbation)	.16** 349	.10 349	.19** 349		.14* 205
5 Orgasm related gendered sexual scripts	−.22** 368	−.18** 368	−.13* 368	−.20** 349

Note. Pearson-correlations. n underneath the coefficient shows the number of available cases per correlation. p < .05, ** p < .01

Table 2. Proportion of correct answers in the clitoral knowledge quiz for women and men.

Quiz items	Women % (n = 368)	Men % (n = 205)	χ²
The figure shows a… (Vulva)	51.9	51.2	0.03
The size of the clitoris is about the size of a pea.	39.1*	30.7	4.03
The clitoris erects when it receives increased blood flow (e.g., during sexual arousal).	85.1	83.9	0.13
The clitoris has a foreskin, glans and shaft.	19.8	23.9	1.30
The clitoris exists exclusively for pleasure.	51.1**	39.0	7.70
Where can you find the clitoris glans? (Choose the appropriate letter)	83.7	79.0	1.90
Which sexual practice is the most reliable route to orgasm for women?	79.9***	57.1	33.8
The clitoris is involved in every orgasm.	27.2**	16.6	8.24
An orgasm is either clitoral or vaginal.	39.4	36.1	0.61

Note. Based on χ²-Test between genders and correct answers per quiz item. *p < .05, ** p < .01, *** p < .001,

Table 3. T-tests results comparing women and men.

	Women		Men
	M	SD	M	SD	t	p	d	95% CI
Sexual Pleasure	3.74	0.70	3.94	0.62	−3.43	<.001	−.30	[−.32, −.09]
Gendered sexual scripts	3.69	1.03	3.81	094	−1.40	.163	−.12	[−.29, .05]

Figure 1. The mediating effect of gendered sexual scripts in the relationship between clitoral knowledge and sexual pleasure for women.

Note. All presented effects are unstandardized. c’ is the direct effect of clitoral knowledge on sexual pleasure. c is the total effect of clitoral knowledge on sexual pleasure. * p < .05, ** p < .01, *** p < .001.

Figure 2. The mediating effect of gendered sexual scripts in the relationship between clitoral knowledge and orgasm rate in partnered sexual activity for women.

Note. All presented effects are unstandardized. c’ is the direct effect of clitoral knowledge on orgasm rate (with partner). c is the total effect of clitoral knowledge on orgasm rate (with partner). * p < .05, ** p < .01, *** p < .001.

Figure 3. The mediating effect of gendered sexual scripts in the relationship between clitoral knowledge and orgasm rate in masturbation for women.

Note. All presented effects are unstandardized. c’ is the direct effect of clitoral knowledge on orgasm rate (masturbation). c is the total effect of clitoral knowledge on orgasm rate (masturbation).* p < .05, ** p < .01, *** p < .001.

Data availability

Data are available at https://osf.io/a3d6g/