Experiencing and receiving expressions of gratitude were associated with greater sexual communal strength (the extent to which people are motivated to be responsive to their partner’s sexual needs)

Gratitude Increases the Motivation to Fulfill a Partner’s Sexual Needs. Ashlyn Brady et al. Social Psychological and Personality Science, April 4, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550619898971

h/t David Schmitt: https://twitter.com/PsychoSchmitt/status/1351811984254246914

Abstract: Maintaining sexual satisfaction is a critical, yet challenging, aspect of most romantic relationships. Although prior research has established that sexual communal strength (SCS)—i.e., the extent to which people are motivated to be responsive to their partner’s sexual needs—benefits romantic relationships, research has yet to identify factors that promote SCS. We predicted that gratitude would increase SCS because gratitude motivates partners to maintain close relationships. These predictions were supported in three studies with cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental methods. Specifically, experiencing and receiving expressions of gratitude were associated with greater SCS. These studies are the first to investigate the benefits of gratitude in the sexual domain and identify factors that promote SCS. Together, these results have important implications for relationship and sexual satisfaction in romantic relationships.

Keywords: sexual communal strength, gratitude, romantic relationships, sexuality