Factors related to sexual behavior in nondysfunctional couples

Abstract Self-report data were obtained from 99 heterosexual, nondysfunctional couples who were either married or living together. The dependent variable was total frequency of occurrence of 17 specific sexual activities. Four a priori hypotheses, reflecting social stereotypes regarding sexual behavior, were operationalized and tested. Of the seven independent variables measured, subjects' own level of enjoyment of sexual activities and their estimates of their partners' level of enjoyment were most highly correlated with behavior. Data for men and women were complementary: for men the best predictor of behavior was their estimate of their partners' level of pleasure; for women it was self-reported pleasure. These findings are interpreted in terms of culturally prescribed roles for lovemaking.