Ebbs and Flows of Desire: A Qualitative Exploration of Contextual Factors Affecting Sexual Desire in Bisexual, Lesbian, and Straight Women. Issue 8 (16th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vowels, Laura M.; Rosenkrantz, Dani E.; Brown, Holly M.; Mark, Kristen P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sex & marital therapy. Volume 46:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: 807
• Page End: 823
• Publication Date: 2020-11-16
• Subjects: Sexual disorders -- Periodicals; Sexual deviation -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Marital psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Marriage; Sex Disorders; 616.8583005
• DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2020.1828207
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0092-623X

Abstract

Abstract: Previous research has found that sexual desire ebbs and flows over time within and across relationships, leading to instances of desire discrepancy. The purpose of the present study was to understand factors that may contribute to desire and desire discrepancy and examine differences and similarities across women from diverse sexual identity groups. The present qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 31 women (10 bisexual, 8 lesbian, and 13 straight). We identified six main themes (changes across lifespan, hormonal influences, mental and physical health, objective of desire, partner dynamics, external factors) with 21 subthemes. The findings showed more similarities between the women than differences.