#sexualsatisfaction — Public Fediverse posts

DATE: September 12, 2026 at 06:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Having multiple partners does not compromise sexual health, large study finds

URL: https://www.psypost.org/having-multiple-partners-does-not-compromise-sexual-health-large-study-finds/

A recent study published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships provides evidence that engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships does not compromise sexual health. Across two large datasets, researchers found that people in non-monogamous relationships, whether through mutual consent or secrecy, tended to report sexual functioning, satisfaction, and health outcomes that were comparable to, and in some cases slightly better than, those of people in strictly monogamous relationships.

Consensual non-monogamy involves partners mutually agreeing to allow outside romantic or sexual relationships, such as in polyamory or swinging. Infidelity, by contrast, involves engaging in outside relationships secretly and without a partner’s consent.

It is a common assumption that monogamy is inherently safer and more satisfying, but prior work paints a different picture. A study covered by PsyPost in 2016 found that more than one in five single American adults have engaged in consensual non-monogamy at some point. Following this demographic realization, research has sought to understand how these relationship structures operate. For instance, a 2015 study found that people in mutually agreed-upon open relationships were just as likely to practice safe sex and had similar rates of sexually transmitted infections compared to monogamous couples.

Expanding on that, a 2012 study indicated that people who cheat on their partners tend to be less likely to practice safer sex than those in openly non-monogamous relationships. In terms of sexual satisfaction, a 2019 study suggested that polyamorous individuals often experience higher levels of passion and eroticism with secondary partners than with their primary partners.

The current study builds on this progression by testing whether sexual functioning, desire, and the risk of sexually transmitted infections actually differ across relationship types. By strictly distinguishing between consensual non-monogamy and secret infidelity, the researchers used both targeted and large representative population datasets to answer this question.

The research was led by Michelle Larva-Ruhala, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku’s INVEST Research Flagship Centre in Finland, who aimed to capture a comprehensive picture of how managing multiple partners influences sexual wellbeing.

“We addressed two gaps in research on [consensual non-monogamy],” Larva-Ruhala told PsyPost. “Firstly, we know from previous research that [consensually non-monogamous] relationships are similar to monogamous relationships in relationship quality and sexual satisfaction, but sexual functioning among people with multiple partners has not been studied outside the context of infidelity.”

“Second, the presumption has been that the transparent, negotiated, ‘ethical’ nature of (consensual) non-monogamy is what leads to these better outcomes and sets it apart from infidelity, which we associate with lower quality, conflict, etc.,” she continued. “So, in a nutshell, we wanted to know if having other partners had any ‘spillover effects’ into the bedroom, and whether the consensual vs. non-consensual nature of the non-monogamy had anything to do with it.”

The researchers utilized a two-study approach. In the first study, the team analyzed data from 888 adults recruited through an online survey across multiple countries, including the United States, Portugal, Italy, and Finland. Participants reported their relationship identity as either monogamous or consensually non-monogamous, which included categories like polyamory and open relationships. They also answered questions about how often their interactions with others felt like infidelity or involved keeping sexual and emotional secrets from their primary partner.

To measure sexual functioning, the survey used validated questionnaires assessing domains like desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction for women, and erection, ejaculation, and satisfaction for men. Participants with multiple partners completed these measures for up to two partners. The survey also asked about participants’ history of testing for and being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections.

The results of the first study showed that sexual functioning was largely similar between monogamous and non-monogamous individuals. However, partner-specific differences emerged. Women with multiple partners reported greater sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction with their non-primary partners compared to their primary partners, and their scores with non-primary partners were also higher than the scores reported by single-partnered women.

These findings are in line with research covered by PsyPost in 2019, which found that polyamorous individuals report greater eroticism with secondary partners, suggesting they may diversify how their sexual needs are fulfilled across different relationships. Among men, sexual functioning did not differ by relationship type or between partners.

When looking at sexual health practices, polyamorous individuals were 3.6 times more likely to have ever been tested for a sexually transmitted infection compared to monogamous individuals. Despite this higher rate of testing and having more partners, the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection diagnoses did not differ between the two groups.

For the most part, infidelity was not linked to worse sexual functioning. There was one exception: men who reported keeping emotional attachments and sexual encounters secret from their primary partner tended to report lower sexual satisfaction in that primary relationship.

“We were surprised by the finding that infidelity was not associated with worse outcomes,” Larva-Ruhala noted. “Both studies suggest that, on average, having multiple concurrent partners isn’t necessarily tied to poorer sexual health, whether through consensual or non-consensual non-monogamy.”

The second study expanded the investigation to a population level, utilizing a pooled dataset of 10,503 participants from Finland. This dataset combined responses from genetic and behavioral research projects. Participants self-reported their relationship structure and completed broad measures of sexual wellbeing.

For women, this included overall sexual desire and functioning. For men, the researchers assessed premature ejaculatory symptoms, meaning how well they could control ejaculation. The study also measured general dyadic desire, which is the level of sexual interest a person feels toward an attractive partner.

To ensure fair comparisons between the small fraction of non-monogamous individuals and the large monogamous majority, the researchers statistically matched participants on factors like age, gender, and sociosexual orientation, a measure of how willing a person is to engage in uncommitted sex. They also controlled for whether the couples lived together and the gender of their partners.

This approach provided a unique advantage over previous work. “The method used in Study 2 is important for the current research on [consensual non-monogamy],” Larva-Ruhala explained. “Most studies… use data collected from online surveys that people in [consensually non-monogamous] relationships opt into, which is partly necessary in order to obtain a big enough pool of participants to conduct the analyses we want to do, but it also means heavy selection-bias.”

“People who are generally happy in their relationships and interested in representing their relationship configuration may be more quick to participate in these surveys,” she added. “However, study 2 used data from population-representative samples in studies not focused on [consensual non-monogamy], so we can assume people all across the board completed the survey, lowering some of that bias. It improves the generalizability of the results.”

In this population-based sample, non-monogamous men reported fewer early ejaculatory symptoms than monogamous men. Non-monogamous women reported higher global sexual desire than monogamous women. Both men and women in non-monogamous relationships reported slightly greater dyadic desire.

Again, when the researchers specifically isolated the effects of infidelity, defined here as cheating or having partners who were unaware and non-consenting, they found no effect on these sexual health outcomes. This broader lack of negative effects aligns with a major review covered by PsyPost earlier this year, which found that consensually non-monogamous individuals report levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction that are statistically indistinguishable from those of monogamous couples.

As with all research, there are a few things to keep in mind. The studies relied entirely on self-reported measures of sexual functioning and health, which can sometimes differ from objective physiological indicators or medical records. People might misremember their history of sexually transmitted infections or bias their answers to appear in a more favorable light.

Additionally, the first study grouped some participants under the broad umbrella of non-monogamy without distinguishing the specific agreements they had with their partners, such as whether they cohabitate or adhere to strict relationship hierarchies. The measure of infidelity in the second study also combined current and past cheating, meaning some participants may have reconciled with their partners long ago, potentially diluting the measurable impact of the infidelity on current sexual health. Future research could benefit from tracking couples over time to see how relationship structures and sexual health influence each other as relationship agreements evolve.

“Just because we didn’t find many differences in sexual health between those who cheat and those who practice ‘ethical’ forms of non-monogamy, doesn’t mean that doing one or the other is of no consequence,” Larva-Ruhala emphasized. “The results certainly don’t condone infidelity. They simply show that people can maintain sexual health under both versions of non-monogamy.”

To build on these findings, the research team hopes to see this work expanded. “We need replication research to validate or contradict these findings with further evidence, preferably in population-based samples from other countries,” she said.

The study, “Sexual Health in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships: Evidence From Convenience and Population-Based Samples,” was authored by Michelle A. Larva, David L. Rodrigues, Annika Gunst, Patrick Jern, Sabina Nickull, Marie-Pier Larose, Markus J. Rantala, and Justin K. Mogilski.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/having-multiple-partners-does-not-compromise-sexual-health-large-study-finds/

-------------------------------------------------

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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #SexualHealth #NonMonogamy #ConsensualNonMonogamy #OpenRelationships #Polyamory #SexualSatisfaction #SafeSex #Infidelity #RelationshipResearch #MonogamyMyth

DATE: September 12, 2026 at 06:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Having multiple partners does not compromise sexual health, large study finds

URL: https://www.psypost.org/having-multiple-partners-does-not-compromise-sexual-health-large-study-finds/

A recent study published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships provides evidence that engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships does not compromise sexual health. Across two large datasets, researchers found that people in non-monogamous relationships, whether through mutual consent or secrecy, tended to report sexual functioning, satisfaction, and health outcomes that were comparable to, and in some cases slightly better than, those of people in strictly monogamous relationships.

Consensual non-monogamy involves partners mutually agreeing to allow outside romantic or sexual relationships, such as in polyamory or swinging. Infidelity, by contrast, involves engaging in outside relationships secretly and without a partner’s consent.

It is a common assumption that monogamy is inherently safer and more satisfying, but prior work paints a different picture. A study covered by PsyPost in 2016 found that more than one in five single American adults have engaged in consensual non-monogamy at some point. Following this demographic realization, research has sought to understand how these relationship structures operate. For instance, a 2015 study found that people in mutually agreed-upon open relationships were just as likely to practice safe sex and had similar rates of sexually transmitted infections compared to monogamous couples.

Expanding on that, a 2012 study indicated that people who cheat on their partners tend to be less likely to practice safer sex than those in openly non-monogamous relationships. In terms of sexual satisfaction, a 2019 study suggested that polyamorous individuals often experience higher levels of passion and eroticism with secondary partners than with their primary partners.

The current study builds on this progression by testing whether sexual functioning, desire, and the risk of sexually transmitted infections actually differ across relationship types. By strictly distinguishing between consensual non-monogamy and secret infidelity, the researchers used both targeted and large representative population datasets to answer this question.

The research was led by Michelle Larva-Ruhala, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku’s INVEST Research Flagship Centre in Finland, who aimed to capture a comprehensive picture of how managing multiple partners influences sexual wellbeing.

“We addressed two gaps in research on [consensual non-monogamy],” Larva-Ruhala told PsyPost. “Firstly, we know from previous research that [consensually non-monogamous] relationships are similar to monogamous relationships in relationship quality and sexual satisfaction, but sexual functioning among people with multiple partners has not been studied outside the context of infidelity.”

“Second, the presumption has been that the transparent, negotiated, ‘ethical’ nature of (consensual) non-monogamy is what leads to these better outcomes and sets it apart from infidelity, which we associate with lower quality, conflict, etc.,” she continued. “So, in a nutshell, we wanted to know if having other partners had any ‘spillover effects’ into the bedroom, and whether the consensual vs. non-consensual nature of the non-monogamy had anything to do with it.”

The researchers utilized a two-study approach. In the first study, the team analyzed data from 888 adults recruited through an online survey across multiple countries, including the United States, Portugal, Italy, and Finland. Participants reported their relationship identity as either monogamous or consensually non-monogamous, which included categories like polyamory and open relationships. They also answered questions about how often their interactions with others felt like infidelity or involved keeping sexual and emotional secrets from their primary partner.

To measure sexual functioning, the survey used validated questionnaires assessing domains like desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction for women, and erection, ejaculation, and satisfaction for men. Participants with multiple partners completed these measures for up to two partners. The survey also asked about participants’ history of testing for and being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections.

The results of the first study showed that sexual functioning was largely similar between monogamous and non-monogamous individuals. However, partner-specific differences emerged. Women with multiple partners reported greater sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction with their non-primary partners compared to their primary partners, and their scores with non-primary partners were also higher than the scores reported by single-partnered women.

These findings are in line with research covered by PsyPost in 2019, which found that polyamorous individuals report greater eroticism with secondary partners, suggesting they may diversify how their sexual needs are fulfilled across different relationships. Among men, sexual functioning did not differ by relationship type or between partners.

When looking at sexual health practices, polyamorous individuals were 3.6 times more likely to have ever been tested for a sexually transmitted infection compared to monogamous individuals. Despite this higher rate of testing and having more partners, the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection diagnoses did not differ between the two groups.

For the most part, infidelity was not linked to worse sexual functioning. There was one exception: men who reported keeping emotional attachments and sexual encounters secret from their primary partner tended to report lower sexual satisfaction in that primary relationship.

“We were surprised by the finding that infidelity was not associated with worse outcomes,” Larva-Ruhala noted. “Both studies suggest that, on average, having multiple concurrent partners isn’t necessarily tied to poorer sexual health, whether through consensual or non-consensual non-monogamy.”

The second study expanded the investigation to a population level, utilizing a pooled dataset of 10,503 participants from Finland. This dataset combined responses from genetic and behavioral research projects. Participants self-reported their relationship structure and completed broad measures of sexual wellbeing.

For women, this included overall sexual desire and functioning. For men, the researchers assessed premature ejaculatory symptoms, meaning how well they could control ejaculation. The study also measured general dyadic desire, which is the level of sexual interest a person feels toward an attractive partner.

To ensure fair comparisons between the small fraction of non-monogamous individuals and the large monogamous majority, the researchers statistically matched participants on factors like age, gender, and sociosexual orientation, a measure of how willing a person is to engage in uncommitted sex. They also controlled for whether the couples lived together and the gender of their partners.

This approach provided a unique advantage over previous work. “The method used in Study 2 is important for the current research on [consensual non-monogamy],” Larva-Ruhala explained. “Most studies… use data collected from online surveys that people in [consensually non-monogamous] relationships opt into, which is partly necessary in order to obtain a big enough pool of participants to conduct the analyses we want to do, but it also means heavy selection-bias.”

“People who are generally happy in their relationships and interested in representing their relationship configuration may be more quick to participate in these surveys,” she added. “However, study 2 used data from population-representative samples in studies not focused on [consensual non-monogamy], so we can assume people all across the board completed the survey, lowering some of that bias. It improves the generalizability of the results.”

In this population-based sample, non-monogamous men reported fewer early ejaculatory symptoms than monogamous men. Non-monogamous women reported higher global sexual desire than monogamous women. Both men and women in non-monogamous relationships reported slightly greater dyadic desire.

Again, when the researchers specifically isolated the effects of infidelity, defined here as cheating or having partners who were unaware and non-consenting, they found no effect on these sexual health outcomes. This broader lack of negative effects aligns with a major review covered by PsyPost earlier this year, which found that consensually non-monogamous individuals report levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction that are statistically indistinguishable from those of monogamous couples.

As with all research, there are a few things to keep in mind. The studies relied entirely on self-reported measures of sexual functioning and health, which can sometimes differ from objective physiological indicators or medical records. People might misremember their history of sexually transmitted infections or bias their answers to appear in a more favorable light.

Additionally, the first study grouped some participants under the broad umbrella of non-monogamy without distinguishing the specific agreements they had with their partners, such as whether they cohabitate or adhere to strict relationship hierarchies. The measure of infidelity in the second study also combined current and past cheating, meaning some participants may have reconciled with their partners long ago, potentially diluting the measurable impact of the infidelity on current sexual health. Future research could benefit from tracking couples over time to see how relationship structures and sexual health influence each other as relationship agreements evolve.

“Just because we didn’t find many differences in sexual health between those who cheat and those who practice ‘ethical’ forms of non-monogamy, doesn’t mean that doing one or the other is of no consequence,” Larva-Ruhala emphasized. “The results certainly don’t condone infidelity. They simply show that people can maintain sexual health under both versions of non-monogamy.”

To build on these findings, the research team hopes to see this work expanded. “We need replication research to validate or contradict these findings with further evidence, preferably in population-based samples from other countries,” she said.

The study, “Sexual Health in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships: Evidence From Convenience and Population-Based Samples,” was authored by Michelle A. Larva, David L. Rodrigues, Annika Gunst, Patrick Jern, Sabina Nickull, Marie-Pier Larose, Markus J. Rantala, and Justin K. Mogilski.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/having-multiple-partners-does-not-compromise-sexual-health-large-study-finds/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #SexualHealth #NonMonogamy #ConsensualNonMonogamy #OpenRelationships #Polyamory #SexualSatisfaction #SafeSex #Infidelity #RelationshipResearch #MonogamyMyth

DATE: September 12, 2026 at 06:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Having multiple partners does not compromise sexual health, large study finds

URL: https://www.psypost.org/having-multiple-partners-does-not-compromise-sexual-health-large-study-finds/

A recent study published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships provides evidence that engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships does not compromise sexual health. Across two large datasets, researchers found that people in non-monogamous relationships, whether through mutual consent or secrecy, tended to report sexual functioning, satisfaction, and health outcomes that were comparable to, and in some cases slightly better than, those of people in strictly monogamous relationships.

Consensual non-monogamy involves partners mutually agreeing to allow outside romantic or sexual relationships, such as in polyamory or swinging. Infidelity, by contrast, involves engaging in outside relationships secretly and without a partner’s consent.

It is a common assumption that monogamy is inherently safer and more satisfying, but prior work paints a different picture. A study covered by PsyPost in 2016 found that more than one in five single American adults have engaged in consensual non-monogamy at some point. Following this demographic realization, research has sought to understand how these relationship structures operate. For instance, a 2015 study found that people in mutually agreed-upon open relationships were just as likely to practice safe sex and had similar rates of sexually transmitted infections compared to monogamous couples.

Expanding on that, a 2012 study indicated that people who cheat on their partners tend to be less likely to practice safer sex than those in openly non-monogamous relationships. In terms of sexual satisfaction, a 2019 study suggested that polyamorous individuals often experience higher levels of passion and eroticism with secondary partners than with their primary partners.

The current study builds on this progression by testing whether sexual functioning, desire, and the risk of sexually transmitted infections actually differ across relationship types. By strictly distinguishing between consensual non-monogamy and secret infidelity, the researchers used both targeted and large representative population datasets to answer this question.

The research was led by Michelle Larva-Ruhala, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku’s INVEST Research Flagship Centre in Finland, who aimed to capture a comprehensive picture of how managing multiple partners influences sexual wellbeing.

“We addressed two gaps in research on [consensual non-monogamy],” Larva-Ruhala told PsyPost. “Firstly, we know from previous research that [consensually non-monogamous] relationships are similar to monogamous relationships in relationship quality and sexual satisfaction, but sexual functioning among people with multiple partners has not been studied outside the context of infidelity.”

“Second, the presumption has been that the transparent, negotiated, ‘ethical’ nature of (consensual) non-monogamy is what leads to these better outcomes and sets it apart from infidelity, which we associate with lower quality, conflict, etc.,” she continued. “So, in a nutshell, we wanted to know if having other partners had any ‘spillover effects’ into the bedroom, and whether the consensual vs. non-consensual nature of the non-monogamy had anything to do with it.”

The researchers utilized a two-study approach. In the first study, the team analyzed data from 888 adults recruited through an online survey across multiple countries, including the United States, Portugal, Italy, and Finland. Participants reported their relationship identity as either monogamous or consensually non-monogamous, which included categories like polyamory and open relationships. They also answered questions about how often their interactions with others felt like infidelity or involved keeping sexual and emotional secrets from their primary partner.

To measure sexual functioning, the survey used validated questionnaires assessing domains like desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction for women, and erection, ejaculation, and satisfaction for men. Participants with multiple partners completed these measures for up to two partners. The survey also asked about participants’ history of testing for and being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections.

The results of the first study showed that sexual functioning was largely similar between monogamous and non-monogamous individuals. However, partner-specific differences emerged. Women with multiple partners reported greater sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction with their non-primary partners compared to their primary partners, and their scores with non-primary partners were also higher than the scores reported by single-partnered women.

These findings are in line with research covered by PsyPost in 2019, which found that polyamorous individuals report greater eroticism with secondary partners, suggesting they may diversify how their sexual needs are fulfilled across different relationships. Among men, sexual functioning did not differ by relationship type or between partners.

When looking at sexual health practices, polyamorous individuals were 3.6 times more likely to have ever been tested for a sexually transmitted infection compared to monogamous individuals. Despite this higher rate of testing and having more partners, the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection diagnoses did not differ between the two groups.

For the most part, infidelity was not linked to worse sexual functioning. There was one exception: men who reported keeping emotional attachments and sexual encounters secret from their primary partner tended to report lower sexual satisfaction in that primary relationship.

“We were surprised by the finding that infidelity was not associated with worse outcomes,” Larva-Ruhala noted. “Both studies suggest that, on average, having multiple concurrent partners isn’t necessarily tied to poorer sexual health, whether through consensual or non-consensual non-monogamy.”

The second study expanded the investigation to a population level, utilizing a pooled dataset of 10,503 participants from Finland. This dataset combined responses from genetic and behavioral research projects. Participants self-reported their relationship structure and completed broad measures of sexual wellbeing.

For women, this included overall sexual desire and functioning. For men, the researchers assessed premature ejaculatory symptoms, meaning how well they could control ejaculation. The study also measured general dyadic desire, which is the level of sexual interest a person feels toward an attractive partner.

To ensure fair comparisons between the small fraction of non-monogamous individuals and the large monogamous majority, the researchers statistically matched participants on factors like age, gender, and sociosexual orientation, a measure of how willing a person is to engage in uncommitted sex. They also controlled for whether the couples lived together and the gender of their partners.

This approach provided a unique advantage over previous work. “The method used in Study 2 is important for the current research on [consensual non-monogamy],” Larva-Ruhala explained. “Most studies… use data collected from online surveys that people in [consensually non-monogamous] relationships opt into, which is partly necessary in order to obtain a big enough pool of participants to conduct the analyses we want to do, but it also means heavy selection-bias.”

“People who are generally happy in their relationships and interested in representing their relationship configuration may be more quick to participate in these surveys,” she added. “However, study 2 used data from population-representative samples in studies not focused on [consensual non-monogamy], so we can assume people all across the board completed the survey, lowering some of that bias. It improves the generalizability of the results.”

In this population-based sample, non-monogamous men reported fewer early ejaculatory symptoms than monogamous men. Non-monogamous women reported higher global sexual desire than monogamous women. Both men and women in non-monogamous relationships reported slightly greater dyadic desire.

Again, when the researchers specifically isolated the effects of infidelity, defined here as cheating or having partners who were unaware and non-consenting, they found no effect on these sexual health outcomes. This broader lack of negative effects aligns with a major review covered by PsyPost earlier this year, which found that consensually non-monogamous individuals report levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction that are statistically indistinguishable from those of monogamous couples.

As with all research, there are a few things to keep in mind. The studies relied entirely on self-reported measures of sexual functioning and health, which can sometimes differ from objective physiological indicators or medical records. People might misremember their history of sexually transmitted infections or bias their answers to appear in a more favorable light.

Additionally, the first study grouped some participants under the broad umbrella of non-monogamy without distinguishing the specific agreements they had with their partners, such as whether they cohabitate or adhere to strict relationship hierarchies. The measure of infidelity in the second study also combined current and past cheating, meaning some participants may have reconciled with their partners long ago, potentially diluting the measurable impact of the infidelity on current sexual health. Future research could benefit from tracking couples over time to see how relationship structures and sexual health influence each other as relationship agreements evolve.

“Just because we didn’t find many differences in sexual health between those who cheat and those who practice ‘ethical’ forms of non-monogamy, doesn’t mean that doing one or the other is of no consequence,” Larva-Ruhala emphasized. “The results certainly don’t condone infidelity. They simply show that people can maintain sexual health under both versions of non-monogamy.”

To build on these findings, the research team hopes to see this work expanded. “We need replication research to validate or contradict these findings with further evidence, preferably in population-based samples from other countries,” she said.

The study, “Sexual Health in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships: Evidence From Convenience and Population-Based Samples,” was authored by Michelle A. Larva, David L. Rodrigues, Annika Gunst, Patrick Jern, Sabina Nickull, Marie-Pier Larose, Markus J. Rantala, and Justin K. Mogilski.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/having-multiple-partners-does-not-compromise-sexual-health-large-study-finds/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #SexualHealth #NonMonogamy #ConsensualNonMonogamy #OpenRelationships #Polyamory #SexualSatisfaction #SafeSex #Infidelity #RelationshipResearch #MonogamyMyth

DATE: September 12, 2026 at 06:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Having multiple partners does not compromise sexual health, large study finds

URL: https://www.psypost.org/having-multiple-partners-does-not-compromise-sexual-health-large-study-finds/

A recent study published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships provides evidence that engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships does not compromise sexual health. Across two large datasets, researchers found that people in non-monogamous relationships, whether through mutual consent or secrecy, tended to report sexual functioning, satisfaction, and health outcomes that were comparable to, and in some cases slightly better than, those of people in strictly monogamous relationships.

Consensual non-monogamy involves partners mutually agreeing to allow outside romantic or sexual relationships, such as in polyamory or swinging. Infidelity, by contrast, involves engaging in outside relationships secretly and without a partner’s consent.

It is a common assumption that monogamy is inherently safer and more satisfying, but prior work paints a different picture. A study covered by PsyPost in 2016 found that more than one in five single American adults have engaged in consensual non-monogamy at some point. Following this demographic realization, research has sought to understand how these relationship structures operate. For instance, a 2015 study found that people in mutually agreed-upon open relationships were just as likely to practice safe sex and had similar rates of sexually transmitted infections compared to monogamous couples.

Expanding on that, a 2012 study indicated that people who cheat on their partners tend to be less likely to practice safer sex than those in openly non-monogamous relationships. In terms of sexual satisfaction, a 2019 study suggested that polyamorous individuals often experience higher levels of passion and eroticism with secondary partners than with their primary partners.

The current study builds on this progression by testing whether sexual functioning, desire, and the risk of sexually transmitted infections actually differ across relationship types. By strictly distinguishing between consensual non-monogamy and secret infidelity, the researchers used both targeted and large representative population datasets to answer this question.

The research was led by Michelle Larva-Ruhala, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku’s INVEST Research Flagship Centre in Finland, who aimed to capture a comprehensive picture of how managing multiple partners influences sexual wellbeing.

“We addressed two gaps in research on [consensual non-monogamy],” Larva-Ruhala told PsyPost. “Firstly, we know from previous research that [consensually non-monogamous] relationships are similar to monogamous relationships in relationship quality and sexual satisfaction, but sexual functioning among people with multiple partners has not been studied outside the context of infidelity.”

“Second, the presumption has been that the transparent, negotiated, ‘ethical’ nature of (consensual) non-monogamy is what leads to these better outcomes and sets it apart from infidelity, which we associate with lower quality, conflict, etc.,” she continued. “So, in a nutshell, we wanted to know if having other partners had any ‘spillover effects’ into the bedroom, and whether the consensual vs. non-consensual nature of the non-monogamy had anything to do with it.”

The researchers utilized a two-study approach. In the first study, the team analyzed data from 888 adults recruited through an online survey across multiple countries, including the United States, Portugal, Italy, and Finland. Participants reported their relationship identity as either monogamous or consensually non-monogamous, which included categories like polyamory and open relationships. They also answered questions about how often their interactions with others felt like infidelity or involved keeping sexual and emotional secrets from their primary partner.

To measure sexual functioning, the survey used validated questionnaires assessing domains like desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction for women, and erection, ejaculation, and satisfaction for men. Participants with multiple partners completed these measures for up to two partners. The survey also asked about participants’ history of testing for and being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections.

The results of the first study showed that sexual functioning was largely similar between monogamous and non-monogamous individuals. However, partner-specific differences emerged. Women with multiple partners reported greater sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction with their non-primary partners compared to their primary partners, and their scores with non-primary partners were also higher than the scores reported by single-partnered women.

These findings are in line with research covered by PsyPost in 2019, which found that polyamorous individuals report greater eroticism with secondary partners, suggesting they may diversify how their sexual needs are fulfilled across different relationships. Among men, sexual functioning did not differ by relationship type or between partners.

When looking at sexual health practices, polyamorous individuals were 3.6 times more likely to have ever been tested for a sexually transmitted infection compared to monogamous individuals. Despite this higher rate of testing and having more partners, the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection diagnoses did not differ between the two groups.

For the most part, infidelity was not linked to worse sexual functioning. There was one exception: men who reported keeping emotional attachments and sexual encounters secret from their primary partner tended to report lower sexual satisfaction in that primary relationship.

“We were surprised by the finding that infidelity was not associated with worse outcomes,” Larva-Ruhala noted. “Both studies suggest that, on average, having multiple concurrent partners isn’t necessarily tied to poorer sexual health, whether through consensual or non-consensual non-monogamy.”

The second study expanded the investigation to a population level, utilizing a pooled dataset of 10,503 participants from Finland. This dataset combined responses from genetic and behavioral research projects. Participants self-reported their relationship structure and completed broad measures of sexual wellbeing.

For women, this included overall sexual desire and functioning. For men, the researchers assessed premature ejaculatory symptoms, meaning how well they could control ejaculation. The study also measured general dyadic desire, which is the level of sexual interest a person feels toward an attractive partner.

To ensure fair comparisons between the small fraction of non-monogamous individuals and the large monogamous majority, the researchers statistically matched participants on factors like age, gender, and sociosexual orientation, a measure of how willing a person is to engage in uncommitted sex. They also controlled for whether the couples lived together and the gender of their partners.

This approach provided a unique advantage over previous work. “The method used in Study 2 is important for the current research on [consensual non-monogamy],” Larva-Ruhala explained. “Most studies… use data collected from online surveys that people in [consensually non-monogamous] relationships opt into, which is partly necessary in order to obtain a big enough pool of participants to conduct the analyses we want to do, but it also means heavy selection-bias.”

“People who are generally happy in their relationships and interested in representing their relationship configuration may be more quick to participate in these surveys,” she added. “However, study 2 used data from population-representative samples in studies not focused on [consensual non-monogamy], so we can assume people all across the board completed the survey, lowering some of that bias. It improves the generalizability of the results.”

In this population-based sample, non-monogamous men reported fewer early ejaculatory symptoms than monogamous men. Non-monogamous women reported higher global sexual desire than monogamous women. Both men and women in non-monogamous relationships reported slightly greater dyadic desire.

Again, when the researchers specifically isolated the effects of infidelity, defined here as cheating or having partners who were unaware and non-consenting, they found no effect on these sexual health outcomes. This broader lack of negative effects aligns with a major review covered by PsyPost earlier this year, which found that consensually non-monogamous individuals report levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction that are statistically indistinguishable from those of monogamous couples.

As with all research, there are a few things to keep in mind. The studies relied entirely on self-reported measures of sexual functioning and health, which can sometimes differ from objective physiological indicators or medical records. People might misremember their history of sexually transmitted infections or bias their answers to appear in a more favorable light.

Additionally, the first study grouped some participants under the broad umbrella of non-monogamy without distinguishing the specific agreements they had with their partners, such as whether they cohabitate or adhere to strict relationship hierarchies. The measure of infidelity in the second study also combined current and past cheating, meaning some participants may have reconciled with their partners long ago, potentially diluting the measurable impact of the infidelity on current sexual health. Future research could benefit from tracking couples over time to see how relationship structures and sexual health influence each other as relationship agreements evolve.

“Just because we didn’t find many differences in sexual health between those who cheat and those who practice ‘ethical’ forms of non-monogamy, doesn’t mean that doing one or the other is of no consequence,” Larva-Ruhala emphasized. “The results certainly don’t condone infidelity. They simply show that people can maintain sexual health under both versions of non-monogamy.”

To build on these findings, the research team hopes to see this work expanded. “We need replication research to validate or contradict these findings with further evidence, preferably in population-based samples from other countries,” she said.

The study, “Sexual Health in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships: Evidence From Convenience and Population-Based Samples,” was authored by Michelle A. Larva, David L. Rodrigues, Annika Gunst, Patrick Jern, Sabina Nickull, Marie-Pier Larose, Markus J. Rantala, and Justin K. Mogilski.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/having-multiple-partners-does-not-compromise-sexual-health-large-study-finds/

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DATE: August 30, 2026 at 07:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder shapes sexual experiences

URL: https://www.psypost.org/how-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-shapes-sexual-experiences/

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often face distinct challenges in maintaining sexual satisfaction and connection with their partners. A recent analysis of personal accounts from people with the condition revealed that characteristics such as a heightened need for novelty and difficulty regulating focus can deeply influence their intimate lives. The findings were published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in executive functioning. This term refers to the mental skills involved in working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. People with the condition often experience variations in how their brains produce and respond to dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger involved in reward processing, motivation, and physical arousal.

Because of these neurological differences, the condition frequently manifests as distractibility, impulsivity, and a heightened drive to seek out new experiences. These traits can create friction in social settings and intimate partnerships. Previous assessments have indicated that this population generally reports lower levels of sexual satisfaction compared to those without the diagnosis. Yet few investigations have explored exactly how these individuals perceive and navigate their own intimate encounters.

To understand the lived experiences behind these statistics, researchers Annelil E. Desille of the Institute for Social Neuroscience in Australia and Beatrice Alba of Deakin University gathered personal testimonies. They wanted to identify the specific ways that neurological differences shape both sexual satisfaction and the interactions that follow sexual activity. Understanding these perspectives could eventually help mental health professionals provide better guidance for patients facing relationship difficulties.

The researchers recruited 98 adults who reported having a formal diagnosis of the condition from a health practitioner. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 64, with the majority residing in Australia or the United States. To confirm the presence and severity of their symptoms, all participants completed a standard self-report screening questionnaire. The study group included 72 women, 17 men, and eight non-binary individuals.

Through an anonymous online survey, the respondents answered five open-ended questions about their consensual sexual experiences. They were prompted to describe their overall satisfaction, their motivations, and how they communicate with partners. They were also asked to identify specific factors that affect their satisfaction and detail how they act immediately after sex. The researchers chose a written format to reduce social pressure, allowing participants to answer sensitive questions honestly.

Desille and Alba analyzed the written responses by looking for recurring patterns and underlying ideas. They organized the data into three primary themes that capture the varied ways participants experience intimacy.

The first theme highlighted a tension between cooperation and disconnection within relationships. Some participants described highly satisfying experiences rooted in teamwork. In these cases, mutual effort, open communication, and a shared emotional connection fostered intimacy. Respondents noted that having a partner who accommodated their needs or shared their diagnosis helped them feel secure and sexually fulfilled.

Conversely, other respondents reported deep dissatisfaction stemming from a loss of sexual interest in their partners. Some described a habit of suppressing their own needs to please someone else out of a fear of rejection. Others expressed frustration over an inability to maintain interest in a partner after the initial excitement of a new relationship faded. These participants often felt bored or unfulfilled when their specific relational needs were not met.

A second theme centered on how individuals behave after sexual activity concludes. The responses revealed a split in how participants seek a sense of security during this vulnerable time. Many described a strong desire to connect through physical affection, cuddling, and conversation. These individuals reported that discussing what they enjoyed about the encounter helped them feel grounded and present.

On the other hand, a portion of the group detailed an urge to withdraw immediately after intimacy. Some respondents dealt with insecurity or sensory overload by independently focusing on daily tasks, showering, or looking at their phones. These opposing reactions highlight how the condition can amplify a person’s need to either intensely seek out reassurance or abruptly distance themselves to regain emotional balance.

The final theme captured the direct impact of cognitive and behavioral traits on sexual encounters. Participants frequently mentioned how a need for novelty and experimentation shaped their desires. They expressed a preference for trying new things to keep their brains engaged during intimacy.

They also described the challenge of staying present in the moment. Respondents noted that distractibility, sensory overload, and everyday stress often disrupted their focus and diminished their enjoyment. One participant expressed the need to “somehow keep my attention on the task at hand and not having it drift off into space, and being able to push through the sensory overload to climax.” Overcoming these cognitive hurdles required immense mental energy, which occasionally turned intimacy into a source of stress rather than pleasure.

The study relies on subjective, self-reported accounts, which provide insight into personal experiences but cannot establish the prevalence of these challenges across the broader population. The researchers also noted that their participant group was heavily skewed toward women. Future research would benefit from a more balanced demographic sample to see if these themes hold true across different genders.

The analysis did not account for whether participants were taking medication at the time of the survey. Pharmacological treatments are a common approach to managing the condition and could alter a person’s focus and emotional regulation during intimate encounters. Medications can also cause physical side effects that independently affect sexual functioning and satisfaction.

The researchers also did not track the presence of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions frequently co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and can influence a person’s sexual satisfaction and relationship dynamics. Documenting these concurrent conditions in future studies could help isolate which relationship challenges are specifically tied to executive functioning differences.

The study, “It’s Not You, “It’s Me”: Sexual Experiences and Sexual Satisfaction in an ADHD Sample,” was authored by Annelil E. Desille and Beatrice Alba.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/how-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-shapes-sexual-experiences/

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DATE: August 30, 2026 at 07:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder shapes sexual experiences

URL: https://www.psypost.org/how-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-shapes-sexual-experiences/

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often face distinct challenges in maintaining sexual satisfaction and connection with their partners. A recent analysis of personal accounts from people with the condition revealed that characteristics such as a heightened need for novelty and difficulty regulating focus can deeply influence their intimate lives. The findings were published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in executive functioning. This term refers to the mental skills involved in working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. People with the condition often experience variations in how their brains produce and respond to dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger involved in reward processing, motivation, and physical arousal.

Because of these neurological differences, the condition frequently manifests as distractibility, impulsivity, and a heightened drive to seek out new experiences. These traits can create friction in social settings and intimate partnerships. Previous assessments have indicated that this population generally reports lower levels of sexual satisfaction compared to those without the diagnosis. Yet few investigations have explored exactly how these individuals perceive and navigate their own intimate encounters.

To understand the lived experiences behind these statistics, researchers Annelil E. Desille of the Institute for Social Neuroscience in Australia and Beatrice Alba of Deakin University gathered personal testimonies. They wanted to identify the specific ways that neurological differences shape both sexual satisfaction and the interactions that follow sexual activity. Understanding these perspectives could eventually help mental health professionals provide better guidance for patients facing relationship difficulties.

The researchers recruited 98 adults who reported having a formal diagnosis of the condition from a health practitioner. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 64, with the majority residing in Australia or the United States. To confirm the presence and severity of their symptoms, all participants completed a standard self-report screening questionnaire. The study group included 72 women, 17 men, and eight non-binary individuals.

Through an anonymous online survey, the respondents answered five open-ended questions about their consensual sexual experiences. They were prompted to describe their overall satisfaction, their motivations, and how they communicate with partners. They were also asked to identify specific factors that affect their satisfaction and detail how they act immediately after sex. The researchers chose a written format to reduce social pressure, allowing participants to answer sensitive questions honestly.

Desille and Alba analyzed the written responses by looking for recurring patterns and underlying ideas. They organized the data into three primary themes that capture the varied ways participants experience intimacy.

The first theme highlighted a tension between cooperation and disconnection within relationships. Some participants described highly satisfying experiences rooted in teamwork. In these cases, mutual effort, open communication, and a shared emotional connection fostered intimacy. Respondents noted that having a partner who accommodated their needs or shared their diagnosis helped them feel secure and sexually fulfilled.

Conversely, other respondents reported deep dissatisfaction stemming from a loss of sexual interest in their partners. Some described a habit of suppressing their own needs to please someone else out of a fear of rejection. Others expressed frustration over an inability to maintain interest in a partner after the initial excitement of a new relationship faded. These participants often felt bored or unfulfilled when their specific relational needs were not met.

A second theme centered on how individuals behave after sexual activity concludes. The responses revealed a split in how participants seek a sense of security during this vulnerable time. Many described a strong desire to connect through physical affection, cuddling, and conversation. These individuals reported that discussing what they enjoyed about the encounter helped them feel grounded and present.

On the other hand, a portion of the group detailed an urge to withdraw immediately after intimacy. Some respondents dealt with insecurity or sensory overload by independently focusing on daily tasks, showering, or looking at their phones. These opposing reactions highlight how the condition can amplify a person’s need to either intensely seek out reassurance or abruptly distance themselves to regain emotional balance.

The final theme captured the direct impact of cognitive and behavioral traits on sexual encounters. Participants frequently mentioned how a need for novelty and experimentation shaped their desires. They expressed a preference for trying new things to keep their brains engaged during intimacy.

They also described the challenge of staying present in the moment. Respondents noted that distractibility, sensory overload, and everyday stress often disrupted their focus and diminished their enjoyment. One participant expressed the need to “somehow keep my attention on the task at hand and not having it drift off into space, and being able to push through the sensory overload to climax.” Overcoming these cognitive hurdles required immense mental energy, which occasionally turned intimacy into a source of stress rather than pleasure.

The study relies on subjective, self-reported accounts, which provide insight into personal experiences but cannot establish the prevalence of these challenges across the broader population. The researchers also noted that their participant group was heavily skewed toward women. Future research would benefit from a more balanced demographic sample to see if these themes hold true across different genders.

The analysis did not account for whether participants were taking medication at the time of the survey. Pharmacological treatments are a common approach to managing the condition and could alter a person’s focus and emotional regulation during intimate encounters. Medications can also cause physical side effects that independently affect sexual functioning and satisfaction.

The researchers also did not track the presence of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions frequently co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and can influence a person’s sexual satisfaction and relationship dynamics. Documenting these concurrent conditions in future studies could help isolate which relationship challenges are specifically tied to executive functioning differences.

The study, “It’s Not You, “It’s Me”: Sexual Experiences and Sexual Satisfaction in an ADHD Sample,” was authored by Annelil E. Desille and Beatrice Alba.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/how-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-shapes-sexual-experiences/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #ADHDsexuality #ADHDrelationships #SexualSatisfaction #ADHDawareness #Neurodiversity #IntimacyHealth #DopamineAndDesire #SexualWellbeing #NeurodivergentLove #ADHDresearch

DATE: August 30, 2026 at 07:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder shapes sexual experiences

URL: https://www.psypost.org/how-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-shapes-sexual-experiences/

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often face distinct challenges in maintaining sexual satisfaction and connection with their partners. A recent analysis of personal accounts from people with the condition revealed that characteristics such as a heightened need for novelty and difficulty regulating focus can deeply influence their intimate lives. The findings were published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in executive functioning. This term refers to the mental skills involved in working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. People with the condition often experience variations in how their brains produce and respond to dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger involved in reward processing, motivation, and physical arousal.

Because of these neurological differences, the condition frequently manifests as distractibility, impulsivity, and a heightened drive to seek out new experiences. These traits can create friction in social settings and intimate partnerships. Previous assessments have indicated that this population generally reports lower levels of sexual satisfaction compared to those without the diagnosis. Yet few investigations have explored exactly how these individuals perceive and navigate their own intimate encounters.

To understand the lived experiences behind these statistics, researchers Annelil E. Desille of the Institute for Social Neuroscience in Australia and Beatrice Alba of Deakin University gathered personal testimonies. They wanted to identify the specific ways that neurological differences shape both sexual satisfaction and the interactions that follow sexual activity. Understanding these perspectives could eventually help mental health professionals provide better guidance for patients facing relationship difficulties.

The researchers recruited 98 adults who reported having a formal diagnosis of the condition from a health practitioner. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 64, with the majority residing in Australia or the United States. To confirm the presence and severity of their symptoms, all participants completed a standard self-report screening questionnaire. The study group included 72 women, 17 men, and eight non-binary individuals.

Through an anonymous online survey, the respondents answered five open-ended questions about their consensual sexual experiences. They were prompted to describe their overall satisfaction, their motivations, and how they communicate with partners. They were also asked to identify specific factors that affect their satisfaction and detail how they act immediately after sex. The researchers chose a written format to reduce social pressure, allowing participants to answer sensitive questions honestly.

Desille and Alba analyzed the written responses by looking for recurring patterns and underlying ideas. They organized the data into three primary themes that capture the varied ways participants experience intimacy.

The first theme highlighted a tension between cooperation and disconnection within relationships. Some participants described highly satisfying experiences rooted in teamwork. In these cases, mutual effort, open communication, and a shared emotional connection fostered intimacy. Respondents noted that having a partner who accommodated their needs or shared their diagnosis helped them feel secure and sexually fulfilled.

Conversely, other respondents reported deep dissatisfaction stemming from a loss of sexual interest in their partners. Some described a habit of suppressing their own needs to please someone else out of a fear of rejection. Others expressed frustration over an inability to maintain interest in a partner after the initial excitement of a new relationship faded. These participants often felt bored or unfulfilled when their specific relational needs were not met.

A second theme centered on how individuals behave after sexual activity concludes. The responses revealed a split in how participants seek a sense of security during this vulnerable time. Many described a strong desire to connect through physical affection, cuddling, and conversation. These individuals reported that discussing what they enjoyed about the encounter helped them feel grounded and present.

On the other hand, a portion of the group detailed an urge to withdraw immediately after intimacy. Some respondents dealt with insecurity or sensory overload by independently focusing on daily tasks, showering, or looking at their phones. These opposing reactions highlight how the condition can amplify a person’s need to either intensely seek out reassurance or abruptly distance themselves to regain emotional balance.

The final theme captured the direct impact of cognitive and behavioral traits on sexual encounters. Participants frequently mentioned how a need for novelty and experimentation shaped their desires. They expressed a preference for trying new things to keep their brains engaged during intimacy.

They also described the challenge of staying present in the moment. Respondents noted that distractibility, sensory overload, and everyday stress often disrupted their focus and diminished their enjoyment. One participant expressed the need to “somehow keep my attention on the task at hand and not having it drift off into space, and being able to push through the sensory overload to climax.” Overcoming these cognitive hurdles required immense mental energy, which occasionally turned intimacy into a source of stress rather than pleasure.

The study relies on subjective, self-reported accounts, which provide insight into personal experiences but cannot establish the prevalence of these challenges across the broader population. The researchers also noted that their participant group was heavily skewed toward women. Future research would benefit from a more balanced demographic sample to see if these themes hold true across different genders.

The analysis did not account for whether participants were taking medication at the time of the survey. Pharmacological treatments are a common approach to managing the condition and could alter a person’s focus and emotional regulation during intimate encounters. Medications can also cause physical side effects that independently affect sexual functioning and satisfaction.

The researchers also did not track the presence of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions frequently co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and can influence a person’s sexual satisfaction and relationship dynamics. Documenting these concurrent conditions in future studies could help isolate which relationship challenges are specifically tied to executive functioning differences.

The study, “It’s Not You, “It’s Me”: Sexual Experiences and Sexual Satisfaction in an ADHD Sample,” was authored by Annelil E. Desille and Beatrice Alba.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/how-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-shapes-sexual-experiences/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #ADHDsexuality #ADHDrelationships #SexualSatisfaction #ADHDawareness #Neurodiversity #IntimacyHealth #DopamineAndDesire #SexualWellbeing #NeurodivergentLove #ADHDresearch

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Psychologists have known for years that women who are especially preoccupied with their #physicalappearance tend to have more difficulty with anxiety and #sexualsatisfaction. “Women have had this kind of thing to deal with for so many years,” said Ryan, one of the friends in Elliot Connors’s group chat. “While it’s awful that this is now happening to men, there is also a kind of a poetic justice to it.”"

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/magazine/male-hair-loss-treatment-finasteride.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aVA.UwR2.PMGlykd_jAF1&smid=nytcore-ios-share

#GiftLink: "#Finasteride might be the ultimate drug for a generation of young men who have never been more focused on optimizing their #looks — and yet have never been less connected, romantically or socially. #Socialmedia not only feeds men self-improvement content on their phones but also encourages them to curate images of themselves for others to scrutinize.

Psychologists have known for years that women who are especially preoccupied with their #physicalappearance tend to have more difficulty with anxiety and #sexualsatisfaction. “Women have had this kind of thing to deal with for so many years,” said Ryan, one of the friends in Elliot Connors’s group chat. “While it’s awful that this is now happening to men, there is also a kind of a poetic justice to it.”"

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/magazine/male-hair-loss-treatment-finasteride.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aVA.UwR2.PMGlykd_jAF1&smid=nytcore-ios-share

#GiftLink: "#Finasteride might be the ultimate drug for a generation of young men who have never been more focused on optimizing their #looks — and yet have never been less connected, romantically or socially. #Socialmedia not only feeds men self-improvement content on their phones but also encourages them to curate images of themselves for others to scrutinize.

Psychologists have known for years that women who are especially preoccupied with their #physicalappearance tend to have more difficulty with anxiety and #sexualsatisfaction. “Women have had this kind of thing to deal with for so many years,” said Ryan, one of the friends in Elliot Connors’s group chat. “While it’s awful that this is now happening to men, there is also a kind of a poetic justice to it.”"

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/magazine/male-hair-loss-treatment-finasteride.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aVA.UwR2.PMGlykd_jAF1&smid=nytcore-ios-share

#GiftLink: "#Finasteride might be the ultimate drug for a generation of young men who have never been more focused on optimizing their #looks — and yet have never been less connected, romantically or socially. #Socialmedia not only feeds men self-improvement content on their phones but also encourages them to curate images of themselves for others to scrutinize.

Psychologists have known for years that women who are especially preoccupied with their #physicalappearance tend to have more difficulty with anxiety and #sexualsatisfaction. “Women have had this kind of thing to deal with for so many years,” said Ryan, one of the friends in Elliot Connors’s group chat. “While it’s awful that this is now happening to men, there is also a kind of a poetic justice to it.”"

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/magazine/male-hair-loss-treatment-finasteride.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aVA.UwR2.PMGlykd_jAF1&smid=nytcore-ios-share

#GiftLink: "#Finasteride might be the ultimate drug for a generation of young men who have never been more focused on optimizing their #looks — and yet have never been less connected, romantically or socially. #Socialmedia not only feeds men self-improvement content on their phones but also encourages them to curate images of themselves for others to scrutinize.

Psychologists have known for years that women who are especially preoccupied with their #physicalappearance tend to have more difficulty with anxiety and #sexualsatisfaction. “Women have had this kind of thing to deal with for so many years,” said Ryan, one of the friends in Elliot Connors’s group chat. “While it’s awful that this is now happening to men, there is also a kind of a poetic justice to it.”"

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/magazine/male-hair-loss-treatment-finasteride.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aVA.UwR2.PMGlykd_jAF1&smid=nytcore-ios-share

Research shows how performance fears impact sexual satisfaction in young women https://www.psypost.org/research-shows-how-performance-fears-impact-sexual-satisfaction-in-young-women/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualHealth #PerformanceAnxiety #WomenEmpowerment #MentalHealth #SexualSatisfaction

Research shows how performance fears impact sexual satisfaction in young women https://www.psypost.org/research-shows-how-performance-fears-impact-sexual-satisfaction-in-young-women/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualHealth #PerformanceAnxiety #WomenEmpowerment #MentalHealth #SexualSatisfaction

Research shows how performance fears impact sexual satisfaction in young women https://www.psypost.org/research-shows-how-performance-fears-impact-sexual-satisfaction-in-young-women/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualHealth #PerformanceAnxiety #WomenEmpowerment #MentalHealth #SexualSatisfaction

Research shows how performance fears impact sexual satisfaction in young women https://www.psypost.org/research-shows-how-performance-fears-impact-sexual-satisfaction-in-young-women/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualHealth #PerformanceAnxiety #WomenEmpowerment #MentalHealth #SexualSatisfaction

Parenting stress alters the link between attachment avoidance and sexual satisfaction in couples with children https://www.psypost.org/parenting-stress-alters-the-link-between-attachment-avoidance-and-sexual-satisfaction-in-couples-with-children/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Parenting #AttachmentTheory #RelationshipGoals #MentalHealth #SexualSatisfaction

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Parenting stress alters the link between attachment avoidance and sexual satisfaction in couples with children https://www.psypost.org/parenting-stress-alters-the-link-between-attachment-avoidance-and-sexual-satisfaction-in-couples-with-children/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Parenting #AttachmentTheory #RelationshipGoals #MentalHealth #SexualSatisfaction

Parenting stress alters the link between attachment avoidance and sexual satisfaction in couples with children https://www.psypost.org/parenting-stress-alters-the-link-between-attachment-avoidance-and-sexual-satisfaction-in-couples-with-children/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Parenting #AttachmentTheory #RelationshipGoals #MentalHealth #SexualSatisfaction

Strange link discovered between inflammation and orgasm frequency https://www.psypost.org/strange-link-discovered-between-inflammation-and-orgasm-frequency/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Inflammation #OrgasmFrequency #SexualSatisfaction #Intimacy #Relationships

Strange link discovered between inflammation and orgasm frequency https://www.psypost.org/strange-link-discovered-between-inflammation-and-orgasm-frequency/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Inflammation #OrgasmFrequency #SexualSatisfaction #Intimacy #Relationships

Strange link discovered between inflammation and orgasm frequency https://www.psypost.org/strange-link-discovered-between-inflammation-and-orgasm-frequency/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Inflammation #OrgasmFrequency #SexualSatisfaction #Intimacy #Relationships

Strange link discovered between inflammation and orgasm frequency https://www.psypost.org/strange-link-discovered-between-inflammation-and-orgasm-frequency/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Inflammation #OrgasmFrequency #SexualSatisfaction #Intimacy #Relationships

Sexual humor boosts intimacy and uniquely enhances sexual satisfaction, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/sexual-humor-boosts-intimacy-and-uniquely-enhances-sexual-satisfaction-study-suggests/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualHumor #Intimacy #RelationshipGoals #SexualSatisfaction #LoveAndLaughter

Sexual humor boosts intimacy and uniquely enhances sexual satisfaction, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/sexual-humor-boosts-intimacy-and-uniquely-enhances-sexual-satisfaction-study-suggests/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualHumor #Intimacy #RelationshipGoals #SexualSatisfaction #LoveAndLaughter

Sexual humor boosts intimacy and uniquely enhances sexual satisfaction, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/sexual-humor-boosts-intimacy-and-uniquely-enhances-sexual-satisfaction-study-suggests/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualHumor #Intimacy #RelationshipGoals #SexualSatisfaction #LoveAndLaughter

Sexual humor boosts intimacy and uniquely enhances sexual satisfaction, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/sexual-humor-boosts-intimacy-and-uniquely-enhances-sexual-satisfaction-study-suggests/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualHumor #Intimacy #RelationshipGoals #SexualSatisfaction #LoveAndLaughter

Sexual satisfaction’s link to marital happiness grows stronger with age https://www.psypost.org/sexual-satisfactions-link-to-marital-happiness-grows-stronger-with-age/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #MaritalHappiness #SexualSatisfaction #Aging #Relationships #Marriage

Sexual satisfaction’s link to marital happiness grows stronger with age https://www.psypost.org/sexual-satisfactions-link-to-marital-happiness-grows-stronger-with-age/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #MaritalHappiness #SexualSatisfaction #Aging #Relationships #Marriage

Sexual satisfaction’s link to marital happiness grows stronger with age https://www.psypost.org/sexual-satisfactions-link-to-marital-happiness-grows-stronger-with-age/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #MaritalHappiness #SexualSatisfaction #Aging #Relationships #Marriage

Sexual satisfaction’s link to marital happiness grows stronger with age https://www.psypost.org/sexual-satisfactions-link-to-marital-happiness-grows-stronger-with-age/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #MaritalHappiness #SexualSatisfaction #Aging #Relationships #Marriage

New study explores the evolving link between self-esteem and sexual experiences https://www.psypost.org/new-study-explores-the-evolving-link-between-self-esteem-and-sexual-experiences/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SelfEsteem #SexualHealth #MentalHealth #RelationshipGoals #SexualSatisfaction

New study explores the evolving link between self-esteem and sexual experiences https://www.psypost.org/new-study-explores-the-evolving-link-between-self-esteem-and-sexual-experiences/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SelfEsteem #SexualHealth #MentalHealth #RelationshipGoals #SexualSatisfaction

New study explores the evolving link between self-esteem and sexual experiences https://www.psypost.org/new-study-explores-the-evolving-link-between-self-esteem-and-sexual-experiences/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SelfEsteem #SexualHealth #MentalHealth #RelationshipGoals #SexualSatisfaction

New study explores the evolving link between self-esteem and sexual experiences https://www.psypost.org/new-study-explores-the-evolving-link-between-self-esteem-and-sexual-experiences/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SelfEsteem #SexualHealth #MentalHealth #RelationshipGoals #SexualSatisfaction

Women with sexual trauma histories more likely to engage in “Duty Sex” https://www.psypost.org/women-with-sexual-trauma-histories-more-likely-to-engage-in-duty-sex/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualTrauma #DutySex #SexualSatisfaction #SexualPain #MentalHealth

Women with sexual trauma histories more likely to engage in “Duty Sex” https://www.psypost.org/women-with-sexual-trauma-histories-more-likely-to-engage-in-duty-sex/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualTrauma #DutySex #SexualSatisfaction #SexualPain #MentalHealth

Women with sexual trauma histories more likely to engage in “Duty Sex” https://www.psypost.org/women-with-sexual-trauma-histories-more-likely-to-engage-in-duty-sex/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SexualTrauma #DutySex #SexualSatisfaction #SexualPain #MentalHealth

New parents often underestimate partner’s attraction to them, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/new-parents-often-underestimate-partners-attraction-to-them-study-suggests/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #newparents #partnerattraction #parentingchallenges #appearanceinsecurity #sexualsatisfaction

New parents often underestimate partner’s attraction to them, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/new-parents-often-underestimate-partners-attraction-to-them-study-suggests/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #newparents #partnerattraction #parentingchallenges #appearanceinsecurity #sexualsatisfaction

New parents often underestimate partner’s attraction to them, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/new-parents-often-underestimate-partners-attraction-to-them-study-suggests/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #newparents #partnerattraction #parentingchallenges #appearanceinsecurity #sexualsatisfaction

Moral conflict heightens distress in pornography users, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/moral-conflict-heightens-distress-in-pornography-users-study-finds/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #moralconflict #distress #pornography #study #sexualsatisfaction

Moral conflict heightens distress in pornography users, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/moral-conflict-heightens-distress-in-pornography-users-study-finds/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #moralconflict #distress #pornography #study #sexualsatisfaction

Moral conflict heightens distress in pornography users, study suggests https://www.psypost.org/moral-conflict-heightens-distress-in-pornography-users-study-finds/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #moralconflict #distress #pornography #study #sexualsatisfaction

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🍆 The great penis size debate might be settled! A new survey reveals that communication matters more than inches. Get the scoop on what women, gay, and straight men really think about size and satisfaction. #SexInTheNews #SizeMatters #SexualSatisfaction

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