Development of a Dualistic Model of Sexual Passion: Investigating Determinants and Consequences

Philippe, Frederick L.; Vallerand, Robert J.; Beaulieu-Pelletier, Geneviève; Maliha, Gabrielle; Laventure, Samuel; Ricard-St-Aubin, Jean-Sébastien

doi:10.1007/s10508-019-01524-w

Original Paper
Published: 14 August 2019

Development of a Dualistic Model of Sexual Passion: Investigating Determinants and Consequences

Frederick L. Philippe ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6997-8072¹,
Robert J. Vallerand²,
Geneviève Beaulieu-Pelletier²,
Gabrielle Maliha²,
Samuel Laventure³ &
Jean-Sébastien Ricard-St-Aubin²

Archives of Sexual Behavior volume 48, pages 2537–2552 (2019)Cite this article

514 Accesses
8 Citations
3 Altmetric
Metrics details

Abstract

In empirical research, sexual passion has frequently been conceptualized as the interdependent dynamics experienced with a partner and as following a unidimensional continuum of intensity. A recent theoretical model conceptualized sexual passion as an intrapersonal motivation, which can energize both partnered and non-partnered sexual behaviors (Philippe, Vallerand, Bernard-Desrosiers, Guilbault, & Rajotte, 2017). This model also departs from the typical unidimensional continuum by positing the existence of two types of sexual passion: harmonious sexual passion (HSP) and obsessive sexual passion (OSP). The purpose of the present research was to extend the development of such a dualistic model by examining key theoretical determinants and consequences of each type of sexual passion. Study 1 provided empirical evidence of discriminant validity for such a model with respect to key-related constructs in the sex literature (e.g., sexual desire, hypersexuality, self-determined motives). The results of Study 2 showed that both types of sexual passion were associated with a high engagement in various sexual activities, but that only HSP combined it with couple adjustment. Finally, Study 3 indicated that both HSP and OSP were associated with common as well as distinct determinants, while being conducive to different personal and interpersonal consequences. Overall, there were very few moderations by biological sex. The results of these three studies provide empirical support for the sexual passion model and pave the way for new research directions.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price includes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Notes

HSP was correlated .39,* .21,* .24,* and .08 with dyadic sexual desire, solitary sexual desire, self-determined motives for sex, and sexual compulsivity, respectively, whereas OSP was correlated .51,* .52,* −.26,* and .76* with those variables, respectively. *p < .05.
We also examined whether this dichotomous variable assessing low-to-moderate and high level of engagement would moderate HSP and OSP associations with the measured outcomes (sexual desire, sexual behaviors, number of sex partners, and couple adjustment). All results were non-significant, thereby implying that HSP and OSP lead to the same consequences at all levels of sexual engagement.

References

Andersen, B. L., & Cyranowski, J. (1994). Women’s sexual self-schema. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,67, 1079–1100. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.6.1079.
Article Google Scholar
Aron, A., Aron, E., & Smollan, D. (1992). Inclusion of other in the self scale and the structure of interpersonal closeness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,63, 596–612. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.63.4.596.
Article Google Scholar
Baumeister, R. F., Catanese, K. R., & Vohs, K. D. (2001). Is there a gender difference in strength of sex drive? Theoretical views, conceptual distinctions, and a review of relevant evidence. Personality and Social Psychology Review,5, 242–273. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327957PSPR0503_5.
Article Google Scholar
Beaulieu-Pelletier, G., Philippe, F. L., Lecours, S., & Couture, S. (2011). The role of attachment avoidance in extradyadic sex. Attachment & Human Development,13, 293–313. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2011.562419.
Article Google Scholar
Bélanger, J. J., Lafreniere, M.-A. K., Vallerand, R. J., & Kruglanski, A. W. (2013). When passion makes the heart grow colder: The role of passion in alternative goal suppression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,104, 126–147. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029679.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Brotto, L. A., & Smith, K. B. (2013). Sexual desire and pleasure. In D. L. Tolman & L. M. Diamond (Eds.), APA handbook of sexuality and psychology: Person-based approaches (Vol. 1, pp. 205–244). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14193-008.
Chapter Google Scholar
Brunell, A. B., & Webster, G. D. (2013). Self-determination and sexual experience in dating relationships. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,39, 970–987. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167213485442.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Buhrmester, M., Kwang, T., & Gosling, S. D. (2011). Amazon’s mechanical Turk: A new source of inexpensive, yet high-quality, data? Perspectives on Psychological Science,6, 3–5. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691610393980.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Buss, D. M., & Shackelford, T. K. (1997). Susceptibility to infidelity in the first year of marriage. Journal of Research in Personality,31, 193–221. https://doi.org/10.1006/jrpe.1997.2175.
Article Google Scholar
Davis, D., Shaver, P. R., & Vernon, M. L. (2004). Attachment style and subjective motivations for sex. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,30, 1076–1090. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167204264794.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Deci, E., & Ryan, R. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry,11, 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01.
Article Google Scholar
Djkstra, P., & Buunk, B. P. (1998). Jealousy as a function of rival characteristics: An evolutionary perspective. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,24, 1158–1166. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672982411003.
Article Google Scholar
Faul, F., Erdfelder, E., Buchner, A., & Lang, A.-G. (2009). Statistical power analyses using G*Power 3.1: Tests for correlation and regression analyses. Behavior Research Methods,41, 1149–1160. https://doi.org/10.3758/BRM.41.4.1149.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Fehr, B. (1988). Prototype analysis of the concepts of love and commitment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,55, 557–579. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.55.4.557.
Article Google Scholar
Fletcher, G. J. O., Simpson, J. A., & Thomas, G. (2000). The measurement of perceived relationship quality components: A confirmatory factor analytic approach. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,26, 340–354. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167200265007.
Article Google Scholar
Frederick, D., & Haselton, M. G. (2007). Why is muscularity sexy? Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,33, 1167–1183. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167207303022.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Goldey, K. L., & van Anders, S. M. (2012). Sexual arousal and desire: Interrelations and responses to three modalities of sexual stimuli. Journal of Sexual Medicine,9, 2315–2329. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02845.x.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Goldhammer, D. L., & McCabe, M. P. (2011). A qualitative exploration of the meaning and experience of sexual desire among partnered women. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality,20, 19–29.
Google Scholar
Hatfield, E., & Walster, G. W. (1978). A new look at love. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Google Scholar
Hook, J. N., Hook, J. P., Davis, D. E., Worthington, E. L., Jr., & Penberthy, J. K. (2010). Measuring sexual addiction and compulsivity: A critical review of instruments. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy,36, 227–260. https://doi.org/10.1080/00926231003719673.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Jenkins, S. S. (2003). Gender and self-determination in sexual motivation. Dissertation Abstracts International,64, 6330.
Google Scholar
Kafka, M. P. (2010). Hypersexual disorder: A proposed diagnosis for DSM-V. Archives of Sexual Behavior,39, 377–400. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-009-9574-7.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Kafka, M. P., & Hennen, J. (2003). Hypersexual desire in males: Are males with paraphilias different from males with paraphilia-related disorders? Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment,15, 307–321. https://doi.org/10.1177/107906320301500407.
Article Google Scholar
Kalichman, S. C., & Rompa, D. (1995). Sexual sensation seeking and sexual compulsivity scales: Reliability, validity, and predicting HIV risk behavior. Journal of Personality Assessment,65, 586–601. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa6503_16.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. E. (1948). Sexual behavior in the human male. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Google Scholar
Levine, S. B. (2002). Reexploring the concept of sexual desire. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy,28, 39–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/009262302317251007.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Miller, R. S. (1997). Inattentive and contented: Relationship commitment and attention to alternatives. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,73, 758–766. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.73.4.758.
Article Google Scholar
Muthén, L. K., & Muthén, B. O. (2002). How to use a Monte Carlo study to decide on sample size and determine power. Structural Equation Modeling,9, 599–620. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15328007SEM0904_8.
Article Google Scholar
Pelletier, L., Dion, S., Slovinec-D’Angelo, M., & Reid, R. (2004). Why do you regulate what you eat? Relationships between forms of regulation, eating behaviors, sustained dietary behavior change, and psychological adjustment. Motivation and Emotion,28, 245–277. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:MOEM.0000040154.40922.14.
Article Google Scholar
Pelletier, L. G., Sharp, E., Huta, V., & Beaudry, S. (2016). The global motivation scale: Its validity and usefulness in predicting success and failure at self-regulation. Unpublished manuscript, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
Philippe, F. L., Vallerand, R. J., Bernard-Desrosiers, L., Guilbault, V., & Rajotte, G. (2017). Understanding the cognitive and motivational underpinnings of sexual passion from a dualistic model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,113, 769–785. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000116.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Pinney, E. M., Gerrard, M., & Denney, N. W. (1987). The Pinney Sexual Satisfaction Inventory. Journal of Sex Research,23, 233–251. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224498709551359.
Article Google Scholar
Reid, R., Carpenter, B., Spackman, M., & Willes, D. (2008). Alexithymia, emotional instability, and vulnerability to stress proneness in patients seeking help for hypersexual behavior. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy,34, 133–149. https://doi.org/10.1080/00926230701636197.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Rosen, R., Brown, C., Heiman, J., Leiblum, S., Meston, C., Shabsigh, R., … D’Agostino, R. (2000). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): A multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy,26, 191–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/009262300278597.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Rosen, R. C., Riley, A., Wagner, G., Osterloh, I., Kirkpatrick, J., & Mishra, A. (1997). The International Index Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF): A multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. Urology,49, 822–830. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0090-4295(97)00238-0.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. New York: Guilford.
Google Scholar
Sabourin, S., Valois, P., & Lussier, Y. (2005). Development and validation of a brief version of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale with a nonparametric item analysis model. Psychological Assessment,17, 15–27. https://doi.org/10.1037/1040-3590.17.1.15.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Schmitt, D. P., & Buss, D. M. (2000). Sexual dimensions of person description: Beyond or subsumed by the Big Five? Journal of Research in Personality,34, 141–177. https://doi.org/10.1006/jrpe.1999.2267.
Article Google Scholar
Sheldon, K. M., Osin, E. N., Gordeeva, T. O., Suchkov, D. D., & Sychev, O. A. (2017). Evaluating the dimensionality of self-determination theory’s relative autonomy continuum. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,43, 1215–1238. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167217711915.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Spanier, G. B. (1976). Measuring dyadic adjustment: New scale for assessing the quality of marriage and similar dyads. Journal of Marriage & the Family,38, 15–28. https://doi.org/10.2307/350547.
Article Google Scholar
Spector, I. P., Carey, M. P., & Steinberg, L. (1996). The Sexual Desire Inventory: Development, factor structure, and evidence of reliability. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy,22, 175–190. https://doi.org/10.1080/00926239608414655.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Sternberg, R. J. (1986). A triangular theory of love. Psychological Review,93, 119–135. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.93.2.119.
Article Google Scholar
Stice, E. (2001). A prospective test of the dual-pathway model of bulimic pathology: Mediating effects of dieting and negative affect. Journal of Abnormal Psychology,110, 124–135. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.110.1.124.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Stice, E., & Bearman, S. K. (2001). Body-image and eating disturbances prospectively predict increases in depressive symptoms in adolescent girls: A growth curve analysis. Developmental Psychology,37, 597–619. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.37.5.597.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Štulhofer, A., Jurin, T., & Briken, P. (2016). Is high sexual desire a facet of male hypersexuality? Results from an online study. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy,42, 665–680. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2015.1113585.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Toates, F. (2009). An integrative theoretical framework for understanding sexual motivation, arousal, and behavior. Journal of Sex Research,46, 168–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490902747768.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Vallerand, R. J. (2015). The psychology of passion: A dualistic model. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Book Google Scholar
Vallerand, R. J., Blanchard, C., Mageau, G. A., Koestner, R., Ratelle, C., Leonard, M., … Marsolais, J. (2003). Les passions de l’ame: On obsessive and harmonious passion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,85, 756–767. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.85.4.756.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Vohs, K. D., & Baumeister, R. F. (2004). Sexual passion, intimacy, and gender. In D. J. Mashek & A. Aron (Eds.), Handbook of closeness and intimacy (pp. 189–200). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Google Scholar
Weinstein, N., Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2011). Motivational determinants of integrating positive and negative past identities. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,100, 527–544. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022150.
Article PubMed Google Scholar

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
Frederick L. Philippe
Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
Robert J. Vallerand, Geneviève Beaulieu-Pelletier, Gabrielle Maliha & Jean-Sébastien Ricard-St-Aubin
Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
Samuel Laventure

Authors

Frederick L. Philippe
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
Robert J. Vallerand
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
Geneviève Beaulieu-Pelletier
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
Gabrielle Maliha
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
Samuel Laventure
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
Jean-Sébastien Ricard-St-Aubin
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frederick L. Philippe.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Philippe, F.L., Vallerand, R.J., Beaulieu-Pelletier, G. et al. Development of a Dualistic Model of Sexual Passion: Investigating Determinants and Consequences. Arch Sex Behav 48, 2537–2552 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-01524-w

Download citation

Received: 07 September 2017
Revised: 18 July 2019
Accepted: 23 July 2019
Published: 14 August 2019
Issue Date: November 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-01524-w

Keywords

Sexual passion
Dualistic model
Sexual desire
Sexuality
Relationship