Sexual Desire Emerges from Subjective Sexual Arousal, but the Connection Depends on Desire Type and Relationship Satisfaction

Abstract

According to models of responsive sexual desire, desire emerges from sexual arousal. This study examined how sexual desire type (dyadic-partner, dyadic-other, solitary) and relationship satisfaction affect the connection between subjective sexual arousal (SSA) and desire. Women (N = 100; 27% with sexual interest/arousal disorder symptoms) reported SSA while viewing a sexual film. Solitary and dyadic responsive sexual desire were assessed immediately before and following the film (immediate desire) and three days later (delayed desire). SSA predicted higher immediate solitary desire. SSA also predicted higher immediate dyadic desire, and this link was stronger for those with higher relationship satisfaction; for those with low relationship satisfaction, SSA was unrelated. For delayed desire, SSA predicted higher dyadic-partner desire, regardless of relationship satisfaction. SSA also predicted higher dyadic-other desire, yet this association was stronger for those with low relationship satisfaction; for those with high relationship satisfaction, SSA was unrelated to dyadic-other desire. Findings support the theoretical premise that desire emerges from arousal, but that this connection is dependent upon additional factors, specifically the target and timing of desire and participants’ current relationship quality. Relationship satisfaction may affect the motivational value of sex with (and without) a current partner.

Acknowledgements

Funding for this study was from an Operating Grant (MOP- 130347) from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research awarded to Meredith Chivers and Lori Brotto.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author note

Data analyzed in the current study may be requested by contacting Dr. Meredith Chivers at [email protected].

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.