The researchers studied 148 heterosexual couples who had been together for more than one year. They asked them about their sexual history, including frequency, variety, and duration of sex acts, as well as level of orgasm and pleasure during sex. They also asked them to rate their relationship satisfaction.
One of the most interesting findings was that frequency of intercourse predicted higher levels of relational satisfaction, both for men and women. Couples who engaged in regular, frequent intercourse reported greater happiness and commitment than those who did so less often. It is important to note, however, that this effect was only observed within the context of mutually satisfying encounters. When partners were unhappy with the quality of their sex life, increased frequency did not improve satisfaction levels. In addition, couples whose partners were highly orgasmic during intercourse tended to be happier and more committed than those where orgasms were rare or absent. This suggests that a fulfilling sex life may contribute to positive feelings towards one's partner, but it is not enough on its own.
Another factor that emerged as significant was the type of activities performed during sex.
Couples who incorporated oral sex, anal sex, and other forms of foreplay into their intimate routines reported higher levels of overall satisfaction than those who focused exclusively on traditional intercourse.
They felt a deeper connection with their partner and stronger emotional bonds over time. The use of props (such as massage oils or adult toys) was also associated with higher levels of relational satisfaction, suggesting that couples who are willing to experiment with different types of sex tend to have better relationships overall.
Research has identified several factors related to long-term relational satisfaction, including frequency of sexual activity, level of pleasure and orgasm during intercourse, variety of sex acts, and experimentation. These findings suggest that a healthy and varied sexual relationship can help build strong foundations for long-lasting relationships.
What sexual behaviors and habits are most predictive of long-term relational satisfaction?
Research shows that couples who engage in frequent intimate touching, such as holding hands, hugging, kissing, cuddling, and nonverbal affectionate gestures, tend to experience more relationship satisfaction than those who do not. Additionally, couples who regularly communicate openly about their desires and preferences for sex and intimacy are also likely to report greater levels of satisfaction.