Contrary to common belief, heightened sexual motivation may enhance the ability to recognize nonconsent in sexual interactions, rather than impairing it, according to a recent review.
The review, published in the Annual Review of Psychology, examined the relationship between sexual motivation, consent, and sexual behavior, focusing on how heightened sexual arousal affects an individual's ability to obtain and interpret consent. The study outlined the sequential nature of sexual interactions, emphasizing the need for consent at each stage—from recognizing a sexual incentive to engaging in sexual activity.
The researchers found that elevated sexual motivation may increase the likelihood of pursuing sexual encounters, but does not impair an individual's ability to recognize or respect signals of consent. Data suggest that heightened arousal may actually improve the detection of nonconsent.
The review also discussed the mechanisms of consent communication, highlighting the importance of both verbal and nonverbal cues. It noted that women typically prefer verbal expressions of consent, while men may be more responsive to nonverbal signals. Misinterpretations of consent are reported to be uncommon in both casual and established relationships.
Additionally, the review examined sexual decision-making, indicating that while increased sexual motivation can influence the propensity for risky behaviors, such as unprotected intercourse, it does not reduce the ability to make informed decisions regarding consent.
In hookup situations, 32% of women who faced sexual refusal from a male partner responded by using verbal sexual coercion rather than stopping the interaction, while 12% of men took a similar approach when rejected by a female partner.
Another study found that 40% of women reported engaging in oral sex without planning to continue to intercourse, while 33% of women indicated they had received oral sex with no intention of progressing to intercourse.
A separate study revealed that 24.7% of women reported experiencing orgasm during coerced sexual encounters.
In a nonaroused state, 34% of women and 26% of men supported the idea of token resistance, where nonconsent is expressed despite desiring sexual activity; when aroused, this belief increased to 43% for women and 33% for men.
The findings suggested that heightened sexual motivation does not impair—and may even enhance—the recognition and respect for consent in sexual interactions, concluded the review's authors.
The authors reported no conflicts of interest.