ERIC Number: EJ1405032
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Sexual Pleasure during College Students' Most Recent Partnered Sexual Experiences
Jonathon J. Beckmeyer; Debby Herbenick; Heather Eastman-Mueller
Journal of American College Health, v71 n8 p2550-2561 2023
Objective: We explored college students' sexual pleasure using a new self-report measure, the Body, Emotions, Sensations, Touch/Trust (B.E.S.T.) Scale of Sexual Pleasure. Participants: Data were from 3997 randomly sampled students with a partnered sexual experience. Methods: Students completed an online survey about their most recent partnered sexual experience. Data was collected in January 2020. Results: Students find the nonphysical aspects of partnered sex (e.g., emotions, trust, connection with partners) as pleasurable as physical aspects (e.g., behaviors engaged and received, bodily sensations). Self-reported arousal, wantedness, and emotional intimacy were the strongest correlates of male, female, and transgender/gender non-binary students' sexual pleasure. Few sexual behaviors were associated with sexual pleasure and only one -- cuddling for women -- was associated with greater sexual pleasure. Conclusions: Students find their partnered sexual experiences pleasurable. Students' sex may be more pleasurable when they feel ready for sex, desire sex, and feel close to their partners.
Descriptors: Sexuality, Physiology, College Students, Human Body, Intimacy, Interpersonal Relationship, Emotional Response, LGBTQ People, Sexual Orientation
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A