Sharing the love: Examining the impact of masculinity, relationship balance, and relationship satisfaction on men’s sexual desire

Male sexual desire (MSD) is considered less complex and more mechanistic than female sexual desire (FSD), with little research on potential non-physiological influencers of MSD or differences between dyadic versus solitary sexual behaviours. The researchers analysed data from an anonymous online survey of 118 Australian cisgender men aged 18 to 39. Expanding on previous FSD research, the Relational and Bodily Experiences Theory (RBET) was used to examine MSD. Relationship balance and its impact on relationship satisfaction were explored for solitary and dyadic MSD in two mediation models. Covariates included masculinity, presence of children, relationship status, and sexual orientation. The mediation analyses revealed no direct or indirect effect on dyadic desire from relationship balance or relationship satisfaction. While no direct effect was observed for solitary desire, a significant negative indirect effect was found, indicating the association between relationship balance and solitary desire was mediated by relationship satisfaction. Sexual orientation and masculinity were the only significant covariates for either model. Contrary to previous FSD research, the current findings suggest relationship factors are less important for dyadic MSD than they are for FSD. Further research is needed to elucidate what enhances MSD to help men achieve satisfactory levels of desire.