Problematic sexual desire discrepancy in heterosexuals, gay men and lesbian women: differences in sexual satisfaction and dyadic adjustment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Discrepancies in sexual desire are associated with sexual and dyadic dissatisfaction. However, to date, systematic research has been conducted with heterosexuals. Differences in sexual and dyadic satisfaction among individuals with heterosexual, gay, and lesbian sexual orientations, according to the degree of desire discrepancy, were analysed in a sample of 1383 volunteers. The main results showed that sexual desire discrepancies perceived as problematic were associated with lower sexual and dyadic satisfaction, compared to non-problematic sexual desire discrepancies and no sexual desire discrepancies. Specifically, women with no discrepancy or unproblematic discrepancy are more sexually satisfied compared to men. Moreover, lesbian women reported greater dyadic adjustment compared to heterosexual women. The current findings highlight problematic perceptions of discrepancies in sexual desire and their role in sexual and dyadic satisfaction among individuals with heterosexual, gay, and lesbian sexual orientations.