Similarity in Chronotype and Preferred Time for Sex and Its Role in Relationship Quality and Sexual Satisfaction

Paulina Jocz, Maciej Stolarski, Konrad S Jankowski, Paulina Jocz, Maciej Stolarski, Konrad S Jankowski

Abstract

Recently, the issue of diurnal preferences has been increasingly studied within the context of romantic relationships and sexual functioning. In the present paper we apply a dyadic design to investigate the role of romantic partners' diurnal preferences in determining a variety of relationship outcomes. A sample of 91 heterosexual couples completed a set of questionnaires measuring relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and morningness-eveningness, and answered questions regarding their actual and preferred time for sexual activity. Conducted analyses revealed that similarity in chronotype between partners and female morningness fostered relationship satisfaction in females, but not in males. Furthermore, morningness-eveningness was associated with preferred time for sex in males, but not in females, who in principle preferred evening hours. Although actual time for sex was up to the female preference, sexual satisfaction in both genders was associated with lower discrepancy in their preferred time for sex and greater frequency of intercourse. In sum, these results indicate that chronotype and time for sex are important factors affecting sexual and relationships satisfaction in heterosexual couples.

Keywords: chronotype; dyadic design; morningness-eveningness; relationship satisfaction; sexual satisfaction; time for sex.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percentage of subjects in each chronotype group declaring a given time interval when they desired sex the most. Females (A) and males (B) are presented separately. Expected percentage assuming no circadian variation is 12.5 for each time interval.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage of subjects in each chronotype group declaring a given time interval when they usually undertook sexual activity. Females (A) and males (B) are presented separately. Expected percentage assuming no circadian variation is 12.5 for each time interval.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percentage of subjects in total declaring a given time interval when they desired sex the most and usually undertook sexual activity. Females (A) and males (B) are presented separately.

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