Young women's descriptions of sexual desire in long-term relationships

Abstract

The aim of this study was to gain a greater understanding of how women in emerging adulthood describe and make sense of their experience of sexual desire in long-term relationships. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with women in long-term relationships (2.5 years or longer) in emerging adulthood (ages 18–29) regarding their experiences of sexual desire. In order to ensure a range of experiences, we recruited two groups of women: those who were “wondering where the passion has gone” and those who felt “the passion was stillalive”. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. Women provided various explanations for why they continued to experience high desire orexperience a decrease in desire. Similarities and differences between the two groups of women are explored and implications of this study's results are discussed.

Keywords:

• sexual desire
• women
• long-term relationships
• descriptions

Notes on contributors

Sarah Murray is a PhD student in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Olga Sutherland is an assistant professor in the Couple and Family Therapy Program at the University of Guelph and a registered marriage and family therapist.

Dr. Robin R. Milhausen is an associate professor at the University of Guelph.