That’s the Way (I like It): Latent Profiles of Sexual Power Dynamics and Gender Roles

J Sex Marital Ther. 2025 Apr 28:1-18. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2025.2492859. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sexual power dynamics (SPD) regroup sexual interests of dominance, submission, and tender sex. Interest toward sexual domination and/or submission has historically been pathologized and linked with higher levels of sexo-relational distress. Guided by sexual script theory, the consideration of one’s attitudes toward gender roles (GR), as either gender transcendent or gender-linked, might help identify different profiles of clients in sex therapy. To our knowledge, studies have yet to explore the different profiles while considering both SPD and GR. The scarcity of research on these variables limits our understanding of their implications for individuals’ sexo-relational well-being. The current study aimed to explore the presence of latent profiles based on SPD and GR reported by clients in sex therapy, and to compare the resulting profiles on possible correlates (i.e., sociodemographic characteristics, romantic attachment, relationship and sexual satisfaction). A sample of 325 adults in sex therapy, completed self-reported questionnaires at intake. Results revealed three profiles: (1) Dominant stereotypical thinkers (3.7%), (2) Tender conflicted traditionalists (15.4%), and (3) Flexible and coherent lovers (80.9%). Inter-profile comparisons revealed significant differences regarding gender, age, avoidant attachment and relationship satisfaction. Overall, results suggest the presence of an intricacy between SPD and GR, which would benefit from further exploration.

PMID:40293121 | DOI:10.1080/0092623X.2025.2492859