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Abstract

Given the lack of research examining the relationship between sexual cognitions of dominance and submission—experienced as positive (PSC) and negative (NSC)—and sexual arousal, this study examines gender differences in this association. A total of 1,400 cisgender heterosexual adults (700 men and 700 women), aged 18 to 79 years (M = 35.91; SD = 13.66), participated in the study. They self-reported the frequency of dominance and submission PSC and NSC, as well as sexual arousal and penile erection/vaginal lubrication experienced in the context of heterosexual sexual activity. The results indicate, first, gender differences in the frequency of these sexual cognitions: men report PSC more frequently and women report NSC more frequently; and second, that sexual cognitions involving submission (both positive and negative) have a greater association with sexual arousal in men than in women, whereas positive sexual cognitions of dominance showed the inverse pattern. The findings are discussed considering traditional gender roles.

Keywords

Positive sexual cognition negative sexual cognition dominance submission sexual arousal

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