The subjective experience of orgasm is a key construct in understanding human sexual functioning, and its study is approached from a multidimensional perspective. The Multidimensional Model of the Subjective Orgasm Experience (MMSOE) posits four dimensions to the subjective experience of orgasm: Affective, Sensory, Intimacy and Rewards. The Affective dimension refers to the emotions that accompany orgasm; the Sensory dimension includes physical sensations; Intimacy is related to emotional connection; and the Rewards dimension refers to the consequences generated by orgasm.
This approach allows for a more holistic understanding of orgasm from a psychological perspective. Up to now, the model had been validated only in the context of heterosexual relationships, with a gap in the understanding of how orgasm is experienced in people in same-sex sexual relationships, and how different measures of arousal relate to its dimensions.
In a study conducted by Pablo Mangas, Juan Carlos Sierra, Ana Álvarez-Muelas, Óscar Cervilla, Gracia M. Sánchez-Pérez and Reina Granados, published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, the MMSOE has been validated in the context of same-sex relationships.
Sixty-eight young adults sexually active (34 males and 34 females) participated in this study. In the sexuality laboratory, they were presented with sexually neutral video material (i.e., gay and lesbian couples having sexual encounters). During the exposure, different measures of sexual arousal were recorded, both psychophysiological (i.e., penile erection and vaginal pulse amplitude) and self-reported (i.e., assessment of sexual arousal and genital sensations).
The authors sought to identify possible differences in the way men and women experience orgasm and how different measures of arousal explain the dimensions of orgasm.
The results reveal differences between men and women in the experience of orgasm
For men, measures of arousal (appraisal of sexual arousal and changes in penile girth) were more prominent, explaining the sensory and affective dimensions of the subjective experience of orgasm, respectively.
In women, however, propensity for sexual arousal (i.e., trait sexual arousal) explained the sensory dimension of orgasm.
The MMSOE again proves valid, this time in the study of the orgasmic experience of people who engage in same-sex relationships. The MMSOE can be a valuable tool for sexual health professionals, allowing them to approach orgasmic problems from a more holistic perspective, taking into account physical as well as emotional and relational factors, thus improving the quality of sexual life of their patients.
The findings of this study underscore the need for an individualized and contextual approach to sex therapy. This research represents one of the few initiatives that delves into the subjective experience of orgasm in gay people, allowing sexuality to be addressed more inclusively and diversely.
Reference
Mangas, P., Sierra, J. C., Álvarez-Muelas, A., Cervilla, O., Sánchez-Pérez, G. M. y Granados, R. (2024). Validation of the multidimensional model of the subjective orgasm experience in the context of same-sex relationships. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 24(2), 100474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100474