Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
04:22
Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Self-determination and sexual experience in dating relationships
Amy B Brunell1, Gregory D Webster
1The Ohio State University at Mansfield, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield, OH 44906, USA. brunell.2@osu.edu
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|April 25, 2013
Summary
This study introduces the Model of Self-Determined Sexual Motivation, showing that sexual need satisfaction links self-determined motives to better psychological well-being and relationship quality in dating individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provides a framework for understanding motivation.
- Sexual motivation in relationships is complex and warrants further investigation within theoretical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and test the Model of Self-Determined Sexual Motivation.
- To examine the mediating role of sexual need satisfaction in the link between self-determined sexual motives and well-being/relational quality.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted: a cross-sectional study, an event-contingent interaction record study, and a daily diary study combining event- and interval-contingent methods.
- Study 3 examined actor and partner effects within dating relationships.
Main Results:
- The proposed model was tested across studies.
- Sexual need satisfaction was found to mediate the relationship between self-determined sexual motives and psychological well-being and relational quality.
Conclusions:
- The Model of Self-Determined Sexual Motivation effectively explains sexual motivation within dating relationships.
- Applying Self-Determination Theory to the sexual domain offers valuable insights into relationship dynamics and individual well-being.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Relationship Growth
Interpersonal relationships progress through stages, beginning with awareness and moving toward mutuality, where emotional connections deepen. While many relationships remain at moderate levels of mutuality, deeper connections form through self-disclosure, trust, and interdependence.Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure involves revealing personal information, starting with surface-level details and gradually progressing to more intimate content. As trust grows, individuals feel more comfortable...
01:17Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory (SDT), formulated by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, explains that human motivation is driven by three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are met, individuals experience personal growth, intrinsic motivation, and overall well-being.
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
01:29Close Relationships and Culture
Culture shapes how people approach attraction, choose partners, and build long-term relationships. While some preferences in mate selection appear consistent across cultures, such as men valuing physical attractiveness and women emphasizing financial resources, cultural contexts influence how these preferences are expressed and prioritized. Marriage extends beyond romantic ideals in many societies and is deeply embedded in social, economic, and religious frameworks.The Role of Culture in Mate...
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...