Relation Between Desire and Sexual Satisfaction in Different Typologies of Adherence to the Sexual Double Standard

Abstract

This study examines the association between sexual desire and sexual satisfaction in sexual double standard typologies (i.e., egalitarian, man-favorable and womanfavorable) in the sexual freedom and sexual shyness areas. The sexual double standard (SDS), sexual desire (partner-focused dyadic, dyadic for an attractive person, and solitary) and sexual satisfaction were assessed in 444 men and 499 heterosexual women with a partner (M = 37.33; SD = 12.09). The results showed that dyadic sexual desire toward a partner was the main positive predictor of sexual satisfaction for men and women in all the SDS typologies, and in both the sexual freedom and sexual shyness areas. Solitary sexual desire was negatively associated with sexual satisfaction in men and women adhered to the woman-favorable SDS typology, and in men in the egalitarian typology in the sexual shyness area. Sexual desire for an attractive person showed no relation with sexual satisfaction. In conclusion, the importance of the SDS in relating sexual desire and sexual satisfaction in men and women is highlighted.