A Qualitative Comparison of Young Women's Maintained versus Decreased Sexual Desire in Longer-Term Relationships

The present study investigated sexual desire in young, heterosexual women in longer-term relationships. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who self-identified as belonging to one of two study groups: the passion is still alive (Mean age 24.0 years, n = 10) or wondering where the passion has gone (Mean age = 24.8 years, n = 10). Analysis was conducted using grounded theory methodology to investigate experiences of women in these two groups. Although women in both groups reported some common meanings and experiences, sexual desire was also described and experienced differently by women in each group. Categories distinguishing two groups included an ability to stay mentally present, sexual particularity, importance of sex in one's relationship, feeling desired, effectiveness of partner's sexual initiation, relational intimacy, the interpretation of monotony and routine, and sexual communication. Most differentiating factors were linked to personal and relationship factors, followed by partner factors. Women in the passion is still alive group appeared to embrace certain inevitabilities about sexual desire in long-term relationships and were more likely to recognize that their sex life required attention and maintenance as their relationship progressed. The findings point to factors that could be valuable to younger women who are in longer-term relationships.