Sexual dissatisfaction among heterosexual Norwegians in couple relationships

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to analyze sexual dissatisfaction in couple relationships in Norway. The reasons for sexual dissatisfaction and to what extent dissatisfaction is associated with thoughts of ending the relationship are also discussed. The results are based on 1001 web interviews among persons ranging from 18 to 67 years old, registered in the eBase of the poll organization ‘Synovate’. The analysis was limited to the 797 persons who were married, cohabiting or dating. Of respondents, 62% said they were sexually satisfied with their partner, 23% reported neither being satisfied nor dissatisfied and 15% were dissatisfied. Controlling for gender, age and level of education, sexual dissatisfaction was statistically significantly associated only with low frequency of sex and having children below the age of 12 in the household. Women tended to blame the dissatisfaction with their sex life on their own reduced sexual desire. Men regarded too little creativity in their sex life as the primary cause of dissatisfaction. In men, a boring sex life was the most important reason for considering breaking up with their partner. Women's main reasons for ending the relationship revolved more around arguments with the partner over the division of domestic duties and responsibilities and feeling bored in the relationship.

Keywords:

• sexual dissatisfaction
• sexual desire
• Norway
• frequency of having sex

Acknowledgements

This research was financed by The Dagbladet newspaper.