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Hevesi K, Horvath Z, Miklos E, Sal D, Rowland DL. Motives that Mediate the Associations Between Relationship Satisfaction, Orgasmic Difficulty, and the Frequency of Faking Orgasm. Sex Med 2022; 10:100568. [PMID: 36115263 PMCID: PMC9780777 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Faking orgasm by women reportedly occurs quite frequently, with both relationship characteristics and orgasmic difficulty being significant predictors. AIM We explored women's motives that might mediate the associations between orgasmic difficulty and relationship satisfaction on the one hand, with the frequency of faking orgasm on the other. METHODS In a study of 360 Hungarian women who reported "ever" faking orgasm during partnered sex, we assessed the direct and indirect (mediated) associations between orgasmic difficulty, relationship satisfaction, and the frequency of faking orgasm. OUTCOMES Determination of motives that mediate the association between orgasmic difficulty and the frequency of faking orgasm, and the association between relationship satisfaction and the frequency of faking orgasm. RESULTS Increased orgasmic difficulty was directly related to increased frequency of faking orgasm (β = 0.37; P < .001), and each variable itself was related to a number of motives for faking orgasm. However, the only motive assessed in our study that mediated the relationship between orgasmic difficulty and the frequency of faking orgasm was insecurity about being perceived as abnormal or dysfunctional (indirect effect: β = 0.13; P < .001). A similar pattern emerged with relationship satisfaction and frequency of faking orgasm. These two variables were directly related in that lower relationship satisfaction predicted higher frequency of faking orgasm (β = -0.15; P = .008). Furthermore, while each variable itself was related to a number of motives for faking orgasm, the only motive assessed in our study that mediated the relationship between the 2 variables was insecurity about being perceived as abnormal or dysfunctional (indirect effect: β = -0.06; P = .008). CLINICAL TRANSLATION Insecurity related to being perceived as abnormal or deficient, along with sexual communication, should be addressed in women with a history of faking orgasm but who want to cease doing so. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The sample was relatively large and the online survey adhered to best practices. Nevertheless, bias may result in sample characteristics when recruitment is achieved primarily through social media. In addition, the cross-sectional sample prevented causal determination and represented Western-based values. CONCLUSIONS The associations between orgasmic difficulty and faking orgasm, and between relationship satisfaction and faking orgasm, are both direct and indirect (mediated). The primary motive for mediating the indirect association between the predictor variables and the frequency of faking orgasm was the insecurity about being perceived as deficient or abnormal. Hevesi K, Horvath Z, Miklos E, et al. Motives that Mediate the Associations Between Relationship Satisfaction, Orgasmic Difficulty, and the Frequency of Faking Orgasm. Sex Med 2022;10:100568.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Hevesi
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Horvath
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary,Corresponding Author: Zsolt Horvath, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Izabella utca 46, Budapest, H-1064, Hungary. Tel: + 36302309929
| | - Eszter Miklos
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Sal
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David L. Rowland
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso IN, USA
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Prokop P. Factors Influencing Sexual Vocalization in Human Females. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3809-3820. [PMID: 34637045 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Human females use numerous signals to attract male attention which can be ultimately motivated by enhanced paternal investment in the offspring. Sexual vocalization is a form of female sexual signaling. The majority of hypotheses attempting to explain the functional significance of vocalizations have been applied on non-human primates, while research on human females is scarce. This study investigated factors underlying sexual vocalization with a sample of 403 heterosexual Slovak females. Sexual vocalization was most frequent during penetration itself compared with other forms of sexual activities, which supports its signaling function. The most frequently reported sexual vocalizations were moaning/groaning, followed by screams and instructional commands, squeals, and words. Both the frequency and intensity of sexual vocalizations were significantly and positively associated with sexual arousal during the last sexual vaginal intercourse and sociosexuality. About 38% of females reported that they pretended vocalization and, in turn, pretended vocalization was exclusively associated with pretending orgasm. No direct evidence was found for any associations between self-reported frequency and intensity of sexual vocalization and partner satisfaction/physical attractiveness/ambition/dominance, self-perceived attractiveness, or occurrence of orgasm. The frequency (but not intensity) of sexual vocalization was positively influenced by the conception risk. On the proximate level, it seems that sexually less restricted females may use sexual vocalization to increase their sexual attractiveness to their current partner by means of boosting their partner's self-esteem. Enhanced vocalization by sexually unrestricted females may ultimately secure higher paternal investment and increase the confidence of the paternity of current sexual partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavol Prokop
- Department of Environmental Ecology & Landscape Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina B2 418, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Biermann MC, Farias MG, Meneses GO, Lopes GS, Shackelford TK. Reasons to Pretend Orgasm, Mate Retention, and Relationship Satisfaction in Brazilian Women. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 19:14747049211032939. [PMID: 34308674 PMCID: PMC10358417 DOI: 10.1177/14747049211032939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the relationship between Brazilian women's reported reasons for pretending orgasm, their performance of mate retention behaviors, and their relationship satisfaction. Additionally, we secured evidence of the validity and reliability of a Brazilian-Portuguese adaptation of the Reasons to Pretend Orgasm Inventory (RPOI). Participants were 295 Brazilian women in a heterosexual relationship (Mage = 24.9 years, SDage = 5.4 years). Participants completed a Brazilian-Portuguese adaptation of the Mate Retention Inventory-Short Form, and the translated RPOI (the Escala de Razões para Fingir Orgasmo; ERFO). The resulting 47-item ERFO represents well the original 63-item RPOI. The frequency with which Brazilian women pretend orgasm was negatively associated with their relationship satisfaction. Our sample size may not be sufficient to detect small effects. In addition, due to the exploratory nature of the study, the results should be interpreted with caution and future research may attempt to replicate these findings with larger samples and in other countries.
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Láng A, Cooper EB, Meskó N. The Relationship Between Dimensions of Adult Attachment and Motivation for Faking Orgasm in Women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2020; 57:278-284. [PMID: 30299982 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2018.1525333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Attachment and sexual behavior are both integral parts of adult romantic relationships. Attachment avoidance is linked to impersonal, egocentric sexual activities, whereas the sexuality of anxiously attached individuals revolves around relationship maintenance and the needs of the partner. In this attachment context, faking orgasm might serve as a means for relational regulation. The aim of our study was to investigate the links between dimensions of adult attachment and motives for faking orgasm in women. Young women completed measures of adult attachment and motivations for faking orgasm. Both attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety were related to the use of faked orgasm as a means to avoid negative, shameful feelings. Attachment avoidance was significantly associated with the intention to quickly end sexual intercourse through faking orgasm. Attachment anxiety was associated with the use of faked orgasm to increase sexual arousal and to elevate partners' self-esteem. Results are discussed with regard to relational and sexual goals associated with adult attachment orientations.
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Harris EA, Hornsey MJ, Larsen HF, Barlow FK. Beliefs About Gender Predict Faking Orgasm in Heterosexual Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:2419-2433. [PMID: 31309430 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The majority of women have faked an orgasm at least once in their lives. In the current study, we assessed how women's worldviews about gender relate to their faking orgasm behavior. A survey of 462 heterosexual women from the UK (Mage=38.38 years) found that those who espoused anti-feminist values-that is, those high in hostile sexism-had faked significantly more orgasms over their lifetime. In contrast, those who espoused ostensibly positive but restrictive ideas of gender relations-that is, those high in benevolent sexism-had faked significantly fewer orgasms over their lifetime. Furthermore, the more that women believed female orgasm was necessary for men's sexual gratification, the more likely they were to have faked an orgasm at least once in their lives compared to women who had never faked an orgasm. These effects were small to moderate and emerged after controlling for demographics, sexual history, ease of orgasm, and previously established psychological correlates of faking orgasm, including suspected partner infidelity and intrasexual competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Harris
- Department of Psychology, Queens University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3L3, Canada.
| | | | - Hannah F Larsen
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Jonason PK. Reasons to pretend to orgasm and the mating psychology of those who endorse them. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Kingsberg SA, Althof S, Simon JA, Bradford A, Bitzer J, Carvalho J, Flynn KE, Nappi RE, Reese JB, Rezaee RL, Schover L, Shifrin JL. Female Sexual Dysfunction-Medical and Psychological Treatments, Committee 14. J Sex Med 2018; 14:1463-1491. [PMID: 29198504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the millennium we have witnessed significant strides in the science and treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). This forward progress has included (i) the development of new theoretical models to describe healthy and dysfunctional sexual responses in women; (ii) alternative classification strategies of female sexual disorders; (iii) major advances in brain, hormonal, psychological, and interpersonal research focusing on etiologic factors and treatment approaches; (iv) strong and effective public advocacy for FSD; and (v) greater educational awareness of the impact of FSD on the woman and her partner. AIMS To review the literature and describe the best practices for assessing and treating women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, and female orgasmic disorders. METHODS The committee undertook a comprehensive review of the literature and discussion among themselves to determine the best assessment and treatment methods. RESULTS Using a biopsychosocial lens, the committee presents recommendations (with levels of evidence) for assessment and treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, and female orgasmic disorders. CONCLUSION The numerous significant strides in FSD that have occurred since the previous International Consultation of Sexual Medicine publications are reviewed in this article. Although evidence supports an integrated biopsychosocial approach to assessment and treatment of these disorders, the biological and psychological factors are artificially separated for review purposes. We recognize that best outcomes are achieved when all relevant factors are identified and addressed by the clinician and patient working together in concert (the sum is greater than the whole of its parts). Kingsberg SA, Althof S, Simon JA, et al. Female Sexual Dysfunction-Medical and Psychological Treatments, Committee 14. J Sex Med 2017;14:1463-1491.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanley Althof
- Case Western Reserve University Medical School, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - James A Simon
- George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roya L Rezaee
- Case Western Reserve University Medical School, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Goodman DL, Gillath O, Haj-Mohamadi P. Development and Validation of the Pretending Orgasm Reasons Measure. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:1973-1991. [PMID: 28417240 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0928-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pretending orgasm is a widespread phenomenon, reported by both men and women. We report here on the development of a new measure to assess reasons for pretending. In three studies, using large diverse samples, we obtained a comprehensive list of reasons for pretending orgasms (Study 1; N = 46) and conducted both exploratory (Study 2; N = 416) and confirmatory (Study 3; N = 1010) factor analyses identifying six reasons for pretending an orgasm: feels good, for partner, not into sex, manipulation/power, insecurity, and emotional communication. Sexual dysfunction was correlated with frequency of pretending orgasms for reasons such as insecure, not into sex, for partner, and emotional communication. Usefulness for future research and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danya L Goodman
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS, 66044, USA.
- Counseling and Psychological Services, Emerson College, 120 Boylston St., Boston, MA, 02116-4624, USA.
| | - Omri Gillath
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS, 66044, USA
| | - Parnia Haj-Mohamadi
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS, 66044, USA
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Brewer G, Abell L, Lyons M. Machiavellianism, pretending orgasm, and sexual intimacy. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.02.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Séguin LJ, Milhausen RR. Not all fakes are created equal: examining the relationships between men's motives for pretending orgasm and levels of sexual desire, and relationship and sexual satisfaction. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2016.1158803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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