Study Reveals How Partner-Induced Sexual Arousal Impacts Relationship Satisfaction

Recent research has shed light on the effects of role of sexual arousal within romantic relationships, offering the first clear evidence that partner triggered arousal increases relationship satisfaction, while arousal sparked by others can negatively affect both sexual satisfaction and the overall quality of the relationship. The study findings were published in the journal Sexual Medicine. 

Subjective sexual arousal plays a crucial role in sexual functioning within romantic relationships. However, there is a dearth of research exploring its impact on relationship dynamics despite its importance. Hence, researchers carried out a proof-of-concept study with an aim to bridge that gap by examining the associations between sexual arousal induced by one’s partner, arousal triggered by others, and the influence of these factors on sexual satisfaction and relationship quality.

About 116 heterosexual couples, who had been in relationships for an average of three and a half years, participated in an online survey. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Modelling (APIM) framework was applied to the study to analyze the dyadic data, meaning the influence of one partner on the other. Participants were asked to complete the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory and a specially designed global measure of sexual satisfaction.

Findings:

• A positive impact on sexual satisfaction and relationship quality was seen in the study when sexually aroused by one’s romantic partner.
• There was no gender difference, and the fact was true for both men and women, suggesting that sexual arousal experienced within the relationship strengthens intimacy and emotional connection.
• Conversely, there was a negative association with sexual satisfaction and relationship quality between sexual arousal elicited by people outside of the romantic relationship. 
• This observation stood the same in both male and female participants.

These findings suggest that greater emphasis should be placed by therapists and relationship counselors on fostering sexual arousal between partners in therapy sessions. Strategies that heighten partner-induced arousal, such as focusing on intimacy-building exercises and reducing external distractions should be employed to improve sexual satisfaction and relationship quality. It may also be important to help couples avoid situations or behaviors that lead to arousal triggered by individuals outside of the relationship, as this can undermine relationship stability and satisfaction.

This study offers novel insights into the relationship between sexual arousal and relationship outcomes, addressing a previously under-researched area. Utilizing a well-powered, dyadic design allowed for a thorough investigation of the hypotheses, providing robust evidence of the differential effects of partner-induced and non-partner-induced arousal on relationship dynamics despite some limitations. The cross-sectional design of the study means that it can only capture associations at one point in time, making it difficult to draw conclusions about long-term effects. Additionally, the sample was somewhat homogenous, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Lastly, the measures of sexual arousal and satisfaction used in the study were brief, which could limit the depth of the conclusions drawn.

Further reading: Lawless NJ, Karantzas GC, Mullins ER, McCabe MP. Does it Matter Who You Feel Sexually Aroused By? Associations Between Sexual Arousal, Relationship Quality, and Sexual Satisfaction. Sex Med. 2022;10(4):100523. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100523