Sexual Desire Discrepancy

Sexual desire discrepancy is a mismatch between an individual and his or her partner’s level of sexual desire. Due to the number of factors that influence the ebb and flow of individual sexual desire, desire discrepancy is a common experience at one time or another in long-term romantic relationships. Although this is a common experience, the research in this area has found consistent links between greater desire discrepancy and lower sexual and relationship satisfaction, indicating a need to find ways to modulate issues of sexual desire discrepancy. Little research has examined sexual desire discrepancy in sexually diverse couples or in clinical populations, and this is an important area for future research efforts. This paper reviews the importance of definitions and measurement of discrepant sexual desire, findings in the role of gender and sexual orientation, and the impact of sexual desire discrepancy on sexual and relational outcomes. Additionally, the treatment of sexual desire discrepancy and future directions necessary to expand this area of research are covered.