Sexual Satisfaction as More Than a Gendered Concept: The Roles of Psychological Well-Being and Sexual Orientation

This study examined whether sexual satisfaction was constructed differently for gay men and lesbian women (n = 596) by exploring the contributions of a number of background variables, as well as psychological well-being and internalized homonegativity to sexual satisfaction. Ordinary least squares regression analyses was used (1) to determine whether background variables or psychological well-being account for a greater proportion of the overall variance in sexual satisfaction, and (2) to identify unique contributors to sexual satisfaction for men and women within this sample. This data was collected as part of an internet-based study conducted on sexual orientation and spirituality. Results indicated that living with a partner had a substantial positive impact on sexual satisfaction for both lesbians and gay men; however different variables emerged as important for gay men (e.g., relationships with others) in comparison to lesbian women (e.g., environmental mastery). Implications for the study are offered in light of current theories of sexuality.