Let’s Talk About Sex: Sexual Communication by Gender and Varying Levels of Relationship Commitment

Abstract

This study analyzes how gender, relationship status, and age affect sexual communication practices and behavior. It utilized an original survey distributed to Princeton University undergraduate and graduate students asking about their personal sexual practices and communication patterns with their most recent sexual partner. Results of statistical analyses support the existence of a sexual gender gap, including an orgasm gap. Additionally, it showed that women are twice as likely to bend their sexual preferences to those of their partner. On the basis of relationship status, results confirm increased sexual satisfaction for those in a committed relationship, plus greater discussion of sexual practices and equity in behavior. Years of sexual activity was found to be a greater predictor of behavior than age. This research provides new and important information on how sexual partners communicate, behave, and the social conditions that influence those relationships.