Impact of individual sexual desire and couple desire discrepancy on sexual and relationship satisfaction in a sample of couples

BACKGROUND: Scientific interest in the factors related to sexual satisfaction is prolific, perhaps due to the persistent positive relationship between sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction. Among these factors, sexual desire receives more attention than any other aspect of human sexuality and desire discrepancy within an intimate relationship can have a negative impact on satisfaction levels. Studies show that complaints of low sexual desire are more prevalent among women than men, indicating that desire discrepancy may be a particular problem within heterosexual intimate relationships.

METHODS: Data were collected from 210 heterosexual couples (440 individuals). Couples independently completed an online questionnaire that included an individual and dyadic measure of sexual desire (SDI), a measure of sexual satisfaction (ISS), a measure of relationship satisfaction (DAS), in addition to various demographic variables.

RESULTS: Using dyadic data analysis, a multiple hierarchical regression was conducted to measure the relative importance of individual level of sexual desire and desire discrepancy within the couple to both sexual and relationship satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction was significantly predicted by relationship satisfaction and couple desire discrepancy for women, but not men. Relationship satisfaction was significantly predicted by sexual satisfaction and couple desire discrepancy for men, but not women. Individual sexual desire levels did not significantly predict sexual or relationship satisfaction for women or men.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest shifting the focus from one partner with low desire to the dyad's interaction may be a more accurate approach. The ways in which desire discrepancy impact both sexual and relationship satisfaction also deserves consideration.