Arousability and sexual satisfaction in lesbian and heterosexual women

Abstract

Past research suggests that lesbians may be more sexually responsive and sexually satisfied than heterosexual women. In order to clarify the similarities and differences between lesbians and heterosexual women, questionnaire responses of sexual arousability preferences and ratings of sexual behavior and satisfaction of 407 lesbians and 370 heterosexual women were compared. Both groups consisted primarily of Caucasian, college‐educated, young women. The mean score on the Sexual Arousability Inventory was significantly higher for the lesbian sample than for the sample of heterosexual women. A discriminant analysis of the SAI questionnaire items was also significant in separating the heterosexual from the lesbian sample. Chi‐square analyses determined that, compared to heterosexual women, the lesbians reported having sex more often, reported more frequent orgasms through masturbation and through other means of stimulation, and reported both more sexual satisfaction and a greater number of partners. However, when the underlying dimensions of sexual arousability were considered in a factor analysis, there were more similarities between the two groups than differences. Several hypotheses, including gender empathy, women's socialization to self‐disclose and communicate, and method of orgasm, were considered in accounting for the more satisfying sex life reported by lesbians.