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Characteristics of heterosexual regular relationships among a representative sample of adults: the second Australian study of health and relationships

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 05:12 authored by Paul B Badcock, Anthony M A Smith, Juliet Richters, Chris Rissel, Richard De VisserRichard De Visser, Judy M Simpson, Andrew E Grulich
Background: The aim of this study was to describe important characteristics of Australian adults’ heterosexual regular sexual relationships and examine how these characteristics have changed since 2002. Methods: Computer-assisted landline and mobile telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 Australian residents aged 16–69 years. The participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Data were collected on respondents’ social and demographic characteristics, relationship status and duration, cohabitation status, partner’s age, contraception use, expectations about sexual exclusivity, sexual partners in the previous year, actual and ideal frequencies of sex and levels of physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction in their relationships. Results: Most sexually active respondents 89%; 74% of all respondents, were in a heterosexual regular relationship. Most (97%) expected sexual exclusivity in their relationships, with 3% reporting extradyadic sex in the previous year. Respondents reported an average frequency of sex of 1.44 times per week, with most reporting very high levels of physical pleasure (men, 88%; women, 76%) and emotional satisfaction (men, 86%; women, 84%) in their relationships. Comparisons with data from the First Australian Study of Health and Relationships revealed that significantly more sexually active men were in a relationship in the current survey; that respondents’ average frequency of sex was significantly lower; and that women’s reports of extreme emotional satisfaction had risen. Otherwise, results were consistent with those of the first study. Conclusions: In general, results suggested that the characteristics of Australians’ heterosexual relationships changed little between 2002 and 2013. Despite a decline in respondents’ average weekly frequency of sex, the majority of respondents reported being in a highly satisfying, sexually exclusive relationship.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Sexual Health

ISSN

1448-5028

Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

Issue

5

Volume

11

Page range

427-438

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-02-16

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