Ebbs and Flows of Desire: A Qualitative Exploration of Contextual Factors Affecting Sexual Desire in Bisexual, Lesbian, and Straight Women

Laura M. Vowels, Dani E. Rosenkrantz, Holly M. Brown, Kristen P. Mark

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)807-823
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Sex and Marital Therapy
Volume46
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 16 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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