Definitions of sexual satisfaction have been derived from theory or research-driven conceptual definitions, but little is known about how people in relationships conceptualize sexual satisfaction for themselves, using their own words. Our goal was to assess differences in personal definitions of sexual satisfaction associated with gender, sexual orientation, and the presence of sexual problems.
Participants were 973 individuals (59% women and 41% men) living with a partner who completed an on-line survey. Thematic analysis using NVivo indicated that two major themes: one related to pleasure and one related to relationship and intimacy. It also identified some subthemes. There were some differences in definitions based on whether individuals identified as male or female, were in a mixed-sex or same-sex relationship, and had or had not sexual problems. The results are used to highlight the strength and problems associated with existing definitions and measures of sexual satisfaction.