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Optimal Couple Sexuality: A Review of the (Limited) Literature

  • Clinical Therapeutics (B McCarthy, RT Segraves and R Balon, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of review

The sexology literature has focused largely on individual problems or dysfunctions, especially in the treatment of sexual desire problems, rather than learning from the optimal end of the spectrum of couples’ sexual intimacy. Sexual desire discrepancy can create distress among couples, who may perceive their sex lives to be somehow inadequate. By studying optimal couple erotic intimacy, clinicians and researchers may be able to help couples experience sex worth wanting. This article reviews the clinical and empirical research to date on optimal couple experience and the implications for helping couples distressed by sexual desire problems.

Recent findings

The research literature on optimal couple sexual experiences is unfortunately scant. Recent empirical findings suggest that optimal couple sexuality requires a foundation of ongoing, affirming consent as well as mutuality. Optimal couple sexual experiences are characterized by high levels of empathic communication, the juxtaposition of intentionality with improvisation, and the interplay of emotional safety and interpersonal risk-taking. Empirical evidence also counters the prevailing assumption that optimal couple sexual experiences are only for the young and able-bodied. Findings related to couples and group psychotherapy approaches aimed to improve couple sexual relations are discussed.

Summary

The evidence suggests that clinicians and researchers alike should attend to the quality of couples’ sexual experiences in order to enhance sexual fulfilment, particularly when treating sexual desire discrepancy.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

    Peggy J. Kleinplatz & Maxime Charest

  2. Greenbelt Family Health Team, Ottawa, Canada

    Lianne A. Rosen

  3. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada

    A. Dana Ménard

Authors
  1. Peggy J. Kleinplatz
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  2. Maxime Charest
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  3. Lianne A. Rosen
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  4. A. Dana Ménard
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Correspondence to Peggy J. Kleinplatz.

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Kleinplatz, P.J., Charest, M., Rosen, L.A. et al. Optimal Couple Sexuality: A Review of the (Limited) Literature. Curr Sex Health Rep 14, 63–69 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-022-00327-w

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