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Eastern Washington University

Examining sexual satisfaction and pretending orgasm

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>An article in popular women’s magazine, Cosmopolitan, recently revealed a startling admission from its readers: 86% of respondents reported pretending orgasm during intercourse with a partner (Kylstra, 2011). Despite its apparent frequency, there is yet to be a study conducted investigating the relationship between pretending orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction (Ippolito, 2012). Sexual satisfaction is linked with important facets of life such as overall relationship satisfaction and general wellbeing. The present study examines the relationship between experiencing orgasm, pretending orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction. Participants were Eastern Washington University college students recruited via an online survey website (Qualtrics), and who completed the Pinney Sexual Satisfaction Inventory (Pinney, Gerrard & Denney, 1987) via the Sona Research Management System online. Questions regarding sexual practices, frequencies of sexual behaviors, relationship status and finally, frequency of and reasons for pretending orgasm were also included in the online survey. It was hypothesized that pretending orgasm would be negatively correlated with overall sexual satisfaction, and that experiencing orgasm would be positively correlated with overall sexual satisfaction. Results from the study supported both hypotheses. Some additional significant findings regarding relationship status and pretending orgasm as well as partner satisfaction and gender differences were also observed.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science (MS) in Psychology: Clinical
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Psychology
Year
2014

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Twiss, Chelsea
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Theresa Martin
  • Russell Kolts
  • Tracey McHenry

Subjects

dc:subject × 7

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • Access is available to all users

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/229
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:dc.ewu.edu:theses-1228

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Eastern Washington University
Base URL
dc.ewu.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Twiss, Chelsea. Examining sexual satisfaction and pretending orgasm. Thesis thesis, 2014. https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/229