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Examining How Internal and External Consent Relate to Sexual Satisfaction and Pleasure
Tiffany L Marcantonio1, Kristen N Jozkowski2, Vivienne van Nostrand1
1Department of Health Science, University of Alabama.
Journal of Sex Research
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Exploring sexual consent, this study found that internal feelings of safety, arousal, and physical response, along with a partner
Area of Science:
- Sexuality Studies
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Traditional education emphasizes sexual consent communication for preventing sexual violence.
- A gap exists in understanding the sex-positive outcomes of consent communication.
- Research is needed to explore the link between consent and sexual satisfaction/pleasure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if internal consent feelings and external consent communication relate to sexual satisfaction and pleasure.
- To investigate the role of perceived partner consent communication in sexual experiences.
- To identify specific aspects of consent associated with positive sexual outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A web-administered survey was completed by 849 adults about their most recent sexual experience.
- Participants reported on internal consent feelings, external communication, and perceived partner communication.
- Data were analyzed for associations with sexual satisfaction and pleasure, controlling for sociodemographics.
Main Results:
- Internal consent factors (safety/comfort, arousal, physical response) were positively associated with sexual satisfaction and pleasure.
- Feelings of readiness were linked to sexual satisfaction.
- Partner's verbal consent cues (implicit/explicit) were associated with increased satisfaction and pleasure.
Conclusions:
- Sexual consent is linked to sex-positive outcomes, including enhanced satisfaction and pleasure.
- Internal consent feelings and partner communication are key factors in positive sexual experiences.
- Findings can inform sexual violence prevention and sexual health promotion by highlighting affirmative consent benefits.
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