You have full access to this open access article. Previous research has focused on researcher-led definitions of sexual need responsiveness. The purpose of the present study was to develop a participant-informed definition of sexual need responsiveness.
A total of individuals responded to five open-ended questions concerning the definition and behaviors pertaining to sexual need responsiveness. Both verbal and non-verbal communication in various forms was used to express and share needs with partners and participants often evaluated responsiveness in terms of their sexual satisfaction.
The results provide a participant-informed definition of sexual need responsiveness and can be used to inform research and clinical practice.
Today, many partners expect their relationships to provide not only love and nurturance but also a space for self-expansion and growth Finkel, as well as fulfilment of sexual needs Perel, It is possible for people to meet some of their growth, emotional, and social needs outside of the relationship Rubin et al. Failure to acknowledge and meet the sexual needs of a partner could result in reduced sexual intimacy, conflict, and dissatisfaction within the relationship, potentially increasing the likelihood of relationship dissolution Impett et al.
Sexual well-being is a core element of most stable and happy romantic relationships e. Indeed, there is a growing body of literature that suggests deficits in sexual well-being can be detrimental both within relationships and for the individual. For instance, low sexual well-being has been associated with a decline in overall happiness across 29 countries Laumann et al.
