Do all orgasms feel alike? Evaluating a two-dimensional model of the orgasm experience across gender and sexual context

J Sex Res. 2002 May;39(2):104-13. doi: 10.1080/00224490209552129.

Abstract

The characteristics common to all human orgasm experiences and potential gender and contextual factors affecting these experiences were investigated in two studies. A two-dimensional descriptive model of the orgasm experience was evaluated by testing hypotheses concerning (a) fit of the model to adjective-ratings data describing male and female orgasm experiences, and (b) sexual context effects on the importance of model components. In the first model-evaluation study, 888 university students (523 women) provided adjective ratings to convey orgasm experiences attained through both solitary masturbation and sex with a partner. In a cross-validation study, 798 university students (503 women) provided similar ratings to convey orgasm experiences attained either through solitary masturbation or through sex with a partner. Overall, findings supported the utility of a two-dimensional model of the orgasm experience, an adjective-rating approach in comparing male and female orgasm, and the importance of examining sexual context effects on the orgasm experience.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Coitus / physiology
  • Coitus / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Masturbation / physiopathology
  • Masturbation / psychology
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Object Attachment
  • Orgasm / physiology*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexuality / physiology
  • Sexuality / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires