The human female orgasm: Critical evaluations of proposed psychological sequelae

N Prause�- Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 2011 - Taylor & Francis
Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 2011Taylor & Francis
Orgasm is assumed to be the height of sexual pleasure, reinforcing the recurrence of sexual
behaviors. Surprisingly, data supporting the role of orgasm as a reward in women appear
lacking. The most likely psychological function of orgasm in women, consistent with the very
limited empirical information, is as a secondary reinforcer. In other words, sexual arousal is
the primary reward for sexual behavior in women and orgasm associates sexual arousal
with the partner. Data from a small (n= 38 women) pilot are presented to highlight the�…
Orgasm is assumed to be the height of sexual pleasure, reinforcing the recurrence of sexual behaviors. Surprisingly, data supporting the role of orgasm as a reward in women appear lacking. The most likely psychological function of orgasm in women, consistent with the very limited empirical information, is as a secondary reinforcer. In other words, sexual arousal is the primary reward for sexual behavior in women and orgasm associates sexual arousal with the partner. Data from a small (n�=�38 women) pilot are presented to highlight the challenges of studying female orgasm. Challenges include differentiating vaginally- or clitorally-generated orgasms by self-report and the large proportion of women who are unsure if they experience orgasms. Finally, the recent spate of publications purporting to show differences in penile-vaginal intercourse induced orgasms is critiqued in light of the information reviewed.
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