Sexual diversity in the United States: Results from a nationally representative probability sample of adult women and men

Abstract

In 2015, we conducted a cross-sectional, Internet-based, U.S. nationally representative probability survey of 2,021 adults (975 men, 1,046 women) focused on a broad range of sexual behaviors. Individuals invited to participate were from the GfK KnowledgePanel®. The survey was titled the 2015 Sexual Exploration in America Study and survey completion took about 12 to 15 minutes. The survey was confidential and the researchers never had access to respondents’ identifiers. Respondents reported on demographic items, lifetime and recent sexual behaviors, and the appeal of 50+ sexual behaviors. Most (>80%) reported lifetime masturbation, vaginal sex, and oral sex. Lifetime anal sex was reported by 43% of men (insertive) and 37% of women (receptive). Common lifetime sexual behaviors included wearing sexy lingerie/underwear (75% women, 26% men), sending/receiving digital nude/semi-nude photos (54% women, 65% men), reading erotic stories (57% of participants), public sex (≥43%), role-playing (≥22%), tying/being tied up (≥20%), spanking (≥30%), and watching sexually explicit videos/DVDs (60% women, 82% men). Having engaged in threesomes (10% women, 18% men) and playful whipping (≥13%) were less common. Lifetime group sex, sex parties, taking a sexuality class/workshop, and going to BDSM parties were uncommon (each <8%). More Americans identified behaviors as “appealing” than had engaged in them. Romantic/affectionate behaviors were among those most commonly identified as appealing for both men and women. The appeal of particular behaviors was associated with greater odds that the individual had ever engaged in the behavior. This study contributes to our understanding of more diverse adult sexual behaviors than has previously been captured in U.S. nationally representative probability surveys. Implications for sexuality educators, clinicians, and individuals in the general population are discussed.

Sexual behavior across the transition to adulthood and sexually transmitted infections

“…Most of the participants reported having other types of sexual intercourses in addition to vaginal, similar to the sexual behavior of the adult population in the United States. [ 31 ] One in 10 man reported same-sex intercourse, which is higher than frequencies reported in previous studies done in Brazil, [ 32 ] but similar to the proportion reported by other Latin American countries. [ 22 ] The differences with previous study could be due to the increasing proportion of men who engage in same-sex relationships [ 33 ] or due to differences in the sample population.…”

Masturbatory Behavior in a Population Sample of German Women

“…However, despite that diversity, only one-half of the women reported preferring vaginal penetration, supporting the idea than men place a higher value on vaginal penetration as a sexual activity. 27…”

Open Relationships, Nonconsensual Nonmonogamy, and Monogamy Among U.S. Adults: Findings from the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior

“…Individuals in consensually nonmonogamous (CNM) relationships, however, remain notably underserved by researchers and practitioners. Yet these individuals are also sexual minorities (Herbenick et al, 2017) and stand to benefit from informed study and care. Like LGBT communities, CNM communities face social stigma in regard to their personal identities and relationships (Moors, Matsick, Ziegler, Rubin, & Conley, 2013).…”

“…Utilizing two US Census-based quota samples to explore the prevalence of CNM experiences, Haupert, Gesselman, Moors, Fisher, and Garcia (2016) found that more than 20% of single adults in the U.S. reported prior experiences with CNM relationships. Using a probability sample of U.S. adults, Herbenick et al (2017) found that 1.6% of those in relationships described their partnerships as “open”.…”