title: Do all orgasms feel alike? Evaluating a two-dimensional model of the orgasm experience across gender and sexual context.
abstract: The characteristics common to all human orgasm experiences and potential gender and contextual factors affecting these experiences were investigated in two studies. A two-dimensional descriptive model of the orgasm experience was evaluated by testing hypotheses concerning (a) fit of the model to adjective-ratings data describing male and female orgasm experiences, and (b) sexual context effects on the importance of model components. In the first model-evaluation study, 888 university students (523 women) provided adjective ratings to convey orgasm experiences attained through both solitary masturbation and sex with a partner. In a cross-validation study, 798 university students (503 women) provided similar ratings to convey orgasm experiences attained either through solitary masturbation or through sex with a partner. Overall, findings supported the utility of a two-dimensional model of the orgasm experience, an adjective-rating approach in comparing male and female orgasm, and the importance of examining sexual context effects on the orgasm experience.
authors.affiliation: Psychosocial Oncology Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9 Canada. Kenneth.mah@uhn.on.ca
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mah
authors.forename: Yitzchak M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Binik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003075:Coitus / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008418:Masturbation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D008954:Models, Biological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009769:Object Attachment; D009948:Orgasm / Q000502:physiology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012737:Sex Factors; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires