How much does our own sexual behavior differ from what we believe about other’s sexual behavior?
Often there is a gap between our sexual behavior and what we believe others are doing in their sex life. Recently, a study aimed to investigate the gap between what people do sexually and what they believe the average person does. The results were impressive.
The findings show that both women and men perceive themselves as less sexually active than the average woman and the average man respectively. Most sexual behaviors were believed to be adopted more often by others than by themselves.
For some sexual practices (eg phone / internet sex, anal sex, sex with two simultaneously parte- VRP), the majority stated that they had never tried them. However, they believed that the average person adopts these behaviors quite often. Behaviors such as visiting pornographic websites and masturbation, the majority said that they do it less frequently than other people.
What are the consequences of the gap between our own behavior and what we believe that others do?
The above study shows that most people tend to overestimate the frequency and range of sexual practices of other people. This gap, which is probably due to sociocultural factors shaping the perceptions of the role of women and men, often have negative effects.
Lowest satisfaction with sex life and greater sexual anxiety are some of the adverse effects reported. Attempting to adjust one’s personal sexual behavior in what he/ she believes others do, and not on personal needs, usually creates sexual problems and dysfunctions.
Pariera K (2013) Misperceived Social Norms about Taboo Sexual Behaviors. Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality 16.
