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Changes in the frequency of marital intercourse from panel data

J R Udry

    Archives of Sexual Behavior
    |August 1, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary

    Sexual frequency in married couples declined by 25% over four years. This decline was most pronounced in marriages of shorter duration, impacting relationship intimacy.

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    Area of Science:

    • Sociology
    • Demography
    • Human Sexuality

    Background:

    • Marital dynamics and sexual frequency are key indicators of relationship health.
    • Understanding longitudinal changes in sexual behavior is crucial for relationship counseling and public health.
    • Previous research has explored factors influencing marital sexual activity, but long-term trends require further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine the changes in the frequency of sexual intercourse among urban U.S. couples over a four-year period.
    • To identify if the length of marriage is associated with the observed decline in sexual frequency.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized three waves of longitudinal panel data from a sample of urban U.S. couples.
    • Focused on couples where the wife was under 30 years of age at the initial interview.
    • Analyzed changes in self-reported frequency of intercourse over the four-year study period.

    Main Results:

    • A significant decline of approximately 25% in the frequency of sexual intercourse was observed over the four-year period.
    • The rate of decline in sexual frequency was significantly greater among couples with shorter marriage durations.
    • Younger couples, particularly those in the early stages of marriage, experienced the most substantial decrease in sexual intimacy.

    Conclusions:

    • Marital sexual frequency naturally declines over time, especially within the first few years of marriage.
    • Relationship duration is a critical factor moderating the decline in sexual intimacy among couples.
    • These findings highlight the importance of addressing marital dynamics and sexual satisfaction early in relationships.

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