Sexual Desire Discrepancy

Purpose of Review: Sexual desire discrepancy continues to be a challenging issue in relationships. Due to the negative impact that distressing discrepant desire has on sexual and relational satisfaction, it continues to be a source of conflict and disconnection for couples. We conducted a review of current literature to examine the state of understanding of this complex phenomenon. Recent Findings: Researchers have focused on understanding protective factors during situations of discrepant desire and have found that partners motivated by approach-related goals and partner-focused motives for sex experience higher rates of relationship cohesion and overall satisfaction, potentially mitigating the sexual desire discrepancy. In addition, recent research has explored ways that couples navigate discrepancies, with activities focused on increasing closeness and intimacy being associated with more satisfaction. Summary: While the literature on sexual desire discrepancy continues to be sparse, key findings around motivation and mitigating behaviors shape our understanding of this phenomenon.