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Published on: December 25, 2016
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Do orgasms give women feedback about mate choice?
Gordon G Gallup1, Benjamin C Ampel2, Nicole Wedberg1
1Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA..
Summary
Female orgasm frequency and intensity correlate with partner attractiveness, income, and psychological traits. These factors influence mate selection and sexual satisfaction in committed relationships.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Female orgasm's evolutionary function is debated.
- Understanding factors influencing female orgasm can illuminate mate selection processes.
- Previous research has not comprehensively linked orgasm to partner characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between female orgasm and partner traits.
- To explore how orgasm functions in mate choice among heterosexual women.
- To examine predictors of orgasm frequency, intensity, and sexual satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Survey of heterosexual female college students in committed relationships.
- Assessed orgasm frequency, intensity, and sexual satisfaction.
- Collected data on partner's physical attractiveness, psychological traits, family income, and sense of humor.
Main Results:
- Orgasm frequency linked to partner income, self-confidence, and attractiveness.
- Orgasm intensity correlated with partner attractiveness, sexual frequency, and satisfaction.
- Early sexual initiation associated with more partners, orgasms, and satisfaction.
- Partner's humor predicted self-confidence, income, initiation of sex, and orgasm frequency.
Conclusions:
- Female orgasm appears linked to mate quality indicators.
- Partner characteristics significantly influence female sexual experience and satisfaction.
- Findings suggest a role for orgasm in facilitating adaptive mate choices.
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