Differences in solitary and dyadic sexual desire and sexual satisfaction in heterosexual and nonheterosexual cisgender men and women

Abstract

Abstract Background Gender differences in sexual desire have been documented in the literature, with sexual desire being correlated with sexual satisfaction; however, data on sexual desire and sexual satisfaction among nonheterosexual samples are more limited, as are data examining sexual desire toward oneself (solitary) and another person (dyadic). Aim To examine differences between men and women, between heterosexuals and nonheterosexuals, and the interaction of gender and sexual orientation in solitary and dyadic sexual desire (partner and attractive person related) and sexual satisfaction, and to explore the predictive role of solitary and dyadic sexual desire on sexual satisfaction, controlling for gender and sexual orientation. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with an online sample of 1013 participants recruited between 2017 and 2020 (552 women, 54.5%; 461 men, 45.5%; 802 heterosexuals, 79.2%; 211 nonheterosexuals, 20.8%). Outcomes Participants completed a web survey with a sociodemographic sheet, the Sexual Desire Inventory–2, and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction. Results Current findings indicated that men scored significantly higher on solitary sexual desire (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.015) and attractive person–related desire (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.015) when compared with women. Likewise, nonheterosexuals scored significantly higher on solitary sexual desire (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.053) and attractive person–related desire (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.033) vs heterosexuals. In addition, partner-related desire (β = 0.33, P < .001) was a positive and significant predictor of sexual satisfaction, whereas solitary desire (β = −0.18, P < .001) and attractive person–related desire (β = −0.23, P < .001) were negative predictors. Clinical Implications Sexual desire toward an intimate partner appears to be experienced in similar levels among heterosexual and nonheterosexual men and women, while solitary and attractive person–related sexual desire appears to be more strong among men and nonheterosexual individuals. Strengths and Limitations The current study did not use a dyadic-centered approach, only individual perceptions and experiences. However, it explored solitary sexual desire and partner– and attractive person–related sexual desire in a large sample of heterosexual and nonheterosexual men and women as predictors of sexual satisfaction. Conclusion Overall, men and nonheterosexual individuals experienced more solitary and attractive person–related sexual desire. In addition, partner–related sexual desire was a positive predictor of sexual satisfaction, whereas solitary sexual desire and attractive person–related desire were negative predictors of sexual satisfaction.