Does Anticipated Partner Reaction of Erotic Fantasy Disclosure Correlate with Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction?

Abstract

This study aimed to fill a research gap about the anticipated reaction to sharing an erotic fantasy by addressing two main questions. First, to determine how someone’s level of shame and playfulness about their fantasies correlates with the anticipated partner response of fantasy disclosure. Second, to examine whether this anticipated response links to sexual and relationship satisfaction. Using a cross-sectional design, a diverse sample of 230 adults in various romantic or sexual relationship structures completed a questionnaire measuring shame, playfulness, anticipated reactions, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Findings indicate that shame helps predict lower sexual and relationship satisfaction through worsened anticipated partner responses. Additionally, greater shame correlates directly with lower relationship satisfaction. In contrast, playfulness positively links to sexual satisfaction, independent of anticipated partner responses. These findings indicate that a positive anticipated partner response may improve sexual and relationship satisfaction; however, this study cannot establish causation. This study helps explain how feelings about one’s fantasies and the anticipated reaction of a partner connect to intimacy, potentially helping guide clinical interventions.