Single Women with High Sexual Interest

ABSTRACT: This exploratory study purposely surveyed women who have been generally ignored in most sexuality research, namely those whose sexual experience and interest are above the norm. The objective was to analyze the relationship between their ranking of the importance of sex in their lives and (a) their sexual permissiveness, (b) their sexual desire, and (c) their concern over the potential costs of sexual behaviour. Women were recruited from Canada, Australia and the United States, from university classes or sexuality conferences, and administered a questionnaire consisting of single item measures. Marital status was controlled for by only analysing data from women who were not married (n=51). The women ranged in age from 19 to 49, with a mean age of 30. A majority of the women felt sex was a very important part of their lives. Two-thirds reported having sexual intercourse with more than 10 partners. Significant positive Pearson Correlations were found between subjects' ranking of the importance of sex and sex drive, likelihood of having an affair, time before having sex with a new partner, frequency of sexual intercourse and lack of enjoyment of celibacy. Significant negative relationships were found between the importance of sex and sexual guilt and the fear of being compared. Key words: Women Sexual interest Sexual desire