ASSOCIATIONS OF ATTACHMENT STYLE AND REASONS TO PRETEND ORGASM; DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF REASONS TO PRETEND ORGASM MEASURE IN A RELATIONAL CONTEXT

Abstract

Although pretending orgasm is a relatively common phenomenon, a review of the literature revealed no theory driven research investigating the relationship correlates of this sexual behavior. The current research uses a well validated theory of close relationships (Attachment Theory) to construct and validate a measure of Reasons for Pretending Orgasm (the RPO). Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a six factor structure that was confirmed using a separate sample and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Using a large separate internet sample, certain factors from the RPO (Manipulation/Power, Insecurity, Not into Sex) were related to poor relationship outcomes (lower trust, intimacy, love, commitment, and overall relationship satisfaction) suggesting that the reasons for pretending orgasm play an important role in the relationship outcomes of this sexual behavior. Additional analyses (structural equation modeling) revealed that negative relationship outcomes might increase pretending orgasm, rather than pretending increasing negative outcomes. Further, higher frequency of pretending orgasm was also related to: an anxious attachment style, gender (more common among women, replicating previous findings), lower orgasm frequency, tendency to lie to one's partner, more sexual behavior, and lower commitment in relationships, even when controlling for other factors such as the big five personality dimensions. Implications of these findings for clinical practice, and future directions are discussed.