Understanding the Ebbs and Flows of Sexual Desire

A Daily Diary Study on the Temporal Associations Between Dyadic Sexual Desire and Partner Interactions

Bibliographic Data

ID6457464
AuthorsSofia Prekatsounaki (0000-0001-5996-0434, KU Leuven), Tom Loeys (0000-0003-4551-5502, Ghent University), Paul Enzlin (0000-0002-6641-5159, KU Leuven)
Year2024
Volume62
Issue5
Pages843-853
Publication date2024-09-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Sex Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4499 • E-ISSN: 1559-8519
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00224499.2024.2393378
PMID39254631
OpenAlexW4402392117
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited70

Sexual desire has often been conceptualized and studied as an individual trait. However, empirical evidence suggests that there is also value in studying it as a state and dyadic construct. Through a daily diary study with a randomized controlled experimental design, we aimed to explore (i) how the roles that partners fulfill in dyadic interactions are associated with daily fluctuations in dyadic sexual desire, (ii) whether these roles can be leveraged to affect sexual desire for one's partner, and (iii) whether effects of partner interactions on dyadic sexual desire vary by gender. In total, 163 mixed-gender couples (N = 326), with a mean age of 30.3 years (SD = 7.95), participated. During 22 consecutive days, participants reported daily on their dyadic sexual desire, as well as on several aspects of their interactions. Couples in the experimental condition additionally received assignments that manipulated their partner interactions. Analyzing our data using Multilevel Modelling techniques for longitudinal dyadic data, we found that daily dyadic sexual desire was associated with what each partner takes, gives, and receives in relation with their affiliation, sexuality and exploration needs. Additionally, women's sexual desire was associated with what their partner reported taking, giving, and receiving during affiliative interactions, and with perceived but not enacted responsiveness to their sexuality and exploration needs. Our results suggest that daily ebbs and flows of sexual desire may be partly explained by temporal changes in interactions between partners, making them possible valuable targets for clinical interventions

Developmental psychology · Human sexuality · Hypoactive sexual desire disorder · Sexual desire · Sociology · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOI