Dominant and Submissive Fantasy and Behavior
Conference Year
January 2020
Abstract
Sexual fantasies of dominance and submission are commonly reported as being among the preferred fantasies of healthy females, yet little is understood regarding whether these fantasies affect other aspects of sexuality (Leitenberg et al., 1995). Even less research exists regarding these fantasies, dominant and submissive sexual behavior, and resulting sexual satisfaction (Sanchez et al., 2012). It is not well understood how sexual fantasies may translate into sexual behavior in non-clinical populations. The current study measures the relationship between dominant and submissive sexual fantasies, dominant and submissive sexual behavior, partner closeness, and sexual satisfaction in 40 sexually healthy women, aged 18-25, who were in committed relationships. Specifically, we investigate whether dominant or submissive sexual fantasies result in higher sexual satisfaction when dominant or submissive behaviors are enacted. We also seek to determine whether the factor of emotional closeness with a partner moderates the relationship between sexual fantasy and sexual behaviors. Data was collected via self-report questionnaires relating to frequency and preference for submissive and dominant fantasies, as well as retrospective self-reports of sexual satisfaction. Participants also completed event diaries at home immediately after at least 5 sexual events, reporting on behaviors, feelings of closeness, and sexual satisfaction. Congruency between sexual fantasy and sexual behavior did not result in higher event satisfaction. Interestingly, individuals with dominant and submissive fantasies were more likely to enact those fantasies in their sexual behavior when they felt close to their partner.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Alessandra Rellini
Graduate Student Mentors
Alessandra Rellini
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Psychological Science
Primary Research Category
Arts & Humanities
Dominant and Submissive Fantasy and Behavior
Sexual fantasies of dominance and submission are commonly reported as being among the preferred fantasies of healthy females, yet little is understood regarding whether these fantasies affect other aspects of sexuality (Leitenberg et al., 1995). Even less research exists regarding these fantasies, dominant and submissive sexual behavior, and resulting sexual satisfaction (Sanchez et al., 2012). It is not well understood how sexual fantasies may translate into sexual behavior in non-clinical populations. The current study measures the relationship between dominant and submissive sexual fantasies, dominant and submissive sexual behavior, partner closeness, and sexual satisfaction in 40 sexually healthy women, aged 18-25, who were in committed relationships. Specifically, we investigate whether dominant or submissive sexual fantasies result in higher sexual satisfaction when dominant or submissive behaviors are enacted. We also seek to determine whether the factor of emotional closeness with a partner moderates the relationship between sexual fantasy and sexual behaviors. Data was collected via self-report questionnaires relating to frequency and preference for submissive and dominant fantasies, as well as retrospective self-reports of sexual satisfaction. Participants also completed event diaries at home immediately after at least 5 sexual events, reporting on behaviors, feelings of closeness, and sexual satisfaction. Congruency between sexual fantasy and sexual behavior did not result in higher event satisfaction. Interestingly, individuals with dominant and submissive fantasies were more likely to enact those fantasies in their sexual behavior when they felt close to their partner.