The Journal of Sex Research Vol. 22, No. 2, pp.

184-205 May, 1986

Sexual Fantasies and Sexual

Satisfaction: An Empirical Analysis
of Erotic Thought
J. KENNETH DAVIDSON, SR., AND LINDA E. HOFFMAN

This empirical investigation explored the meaning and/or function of

sexual fantasizing for married women and whether any differences exist
between married women who are: satisfied, neither satisfied nor dissatis-
fied, or dissatisfied with their current sex life. From a structural-
functionalism perspective, a questionnaire was developed and pretested
for this exploratory study of sexual fantasies. The questionnaire was
subsequently administered to 212 married undergraduate and graduate
female volunteers at a midwestern commuter university. Although
many professionals have argued that engaging in sexual fantasies may
be undesirable, our findings do not support that view. No statistically
significant relationships were found between ever having experienced a
sexual fantasy and satisfaction with current sex life nor between fre-
quency of sexual fantasizing and satisfaction with current sex life. These
results also strongly indicate that sexual fantasies help many married
women to achieve sexual arousal and/or orgasm during sexual inter-
course, irrespective of their current sex life status.

In the early literature on sexuality, many writers have strongly sug-

gested that sexual fantasies should be treated as a form of sexual
dysfunction and/or sexual deviation. Freud (1963) surmised that a sex-
ual fantasy was symptomatic of the blocking of the sexual instinct
through repression of one's physical desires and could result in either
psychosis or neurosis for the person engaging in sexual fantasizing.
Reich (1942) suggested that sexual fantasies occurring during sexual
intercourse were, in essence, escape mechanisms: that is, a diver-
sionary tactic that could lead people to resist full orgasmic surrender.
Deutsch (1944) traced the development of sexual fantasies in adoles-
cent women through the emergence of their adult womanhood. From

J. Kenneth Davidson, SR., PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Linda E. Hoffman, MS, is with the Office of Coun-
seling and Psychological Services, University of Notre Dame.
Requests for reprints should be sent to J. Kenneth Davidson, Sr., PhD, Department
of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

184
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 185

Deutsch's perspective, young women tend to seek escape from reality

through indulging in such sexual fantasies as having experienced the
loss of a penis, being raped, having a baby, and being a prostitute.
When carried over into adult life, the rape fantasy may often be accom-
panied by feelings of sexual repression and inferiority of physical ap-
pearance to such a degree that some women need to engage in sexual
fantasizing in order to become aroused for sexual intercourse. In fact,
Maslow (1942) argued that since the woman's role in our culture has
traditionally been submissive, the more dominant woman must use
sexual fantasies in order to permit herself the pleasure of yielding her
body to a man and enjoying sexual intercourse.
Hariton and Singer (1974) summarized the literature by concluding
that sexual fantasies "reflect women's essentially masochistic nature,
sexual inhibitions, attempted escape from the responsibility for sexual
excitement, or the need for submission to suppress dominance striv-
ings" (p. 313). Other authors whose writings reflect this traditional
view of sexual fantasies include Hollender (1963), Homey (1967), and
Shainess and Greenwald (1971).
In contrast, Hawkins (1974) has argued more recently that sexual
fantasies provide healthy outlets for an individual to release erotic
thoughts.
Fantasy provides a safe way of discharging forbidden erotic im-
pulses. . . . Kept within bounds, the ability for fantasy, to recognize
fantasy, and to think momentarily that it might be exciting to do more
than just flirt with a seductive new acquaintance is healthy, (p. 177)
According to Brown and Hart (1977), few large surveys have been
conducted on sexual fantasies; a substantial portion of the available
data comes from the patient files of clinical psychologists and psychia-
trists. Thus, it is possible that many professionals may be generalizing
from nonrepresentative data sources to attribute unhealthy and/or ab-
normal patterns of sexual adjustment to persons who engage in sexual
fantasizing. Consequently, in this empirical investigation we attemp-
ted to determine whether any relationship exists between sexual fan-
tasies and sexual satisfaction among married women from a
nonclinical population and to ascertain what functions, if any, sexual
fantasies may have for married women.
For this investigation, a sexual fantasy was defined operationally as
a conscious attempt to engage in a play of the mind utilizing mental
images which relate to and/or possess sexual content. A creative
process is involved in the directed flow of these mental images and
186 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

ideational material which usually becomes united by a common theme

to produce a fantasy such as a previous sexual experience (Otto, 1972).
These sexual fantasies can occur during any sexual activity, such as
petting, foreplay, masturbation, or sexual intercourse, or while
engaged in a nonsexual activity such as daydreaming.
Eidelberg (1945) was one of the first to accept the fact that normal
people experience sexual fantasies, although he questioned what
constituted a normal fantasy. Some psychoanalysts, Eidelberg sur-
mised, had used the term "perversion" to describe patients who, not
being satisfied with merely the fantasy, arranged their reality accord-
ing to their personal fantasy wishes. Still other psychoanalysts con-
sidered a person perverted if she/he experienced an orgasm via mastur-
bation while having a sexual fantasy. Eidelberg suggested that
masturbation fantasies represent a compromise between an infantile
wish of the id and resistance against the wish (fantasy) by the ego and
superego.
Although Eidelberg (1945) attempted as far back as 1945 to encour-
age the acceptance of sexual fantasies as a mentally healthy practice,
the controversy has continued unabated. Sullivan (1969), although
acknowledging that sexual fantasies were universal and harmless, in-
dicated that psychopathology may be an unintended outcome if the
person suffers from extreme guilt or permits the sexual fantasy to sup-
plant sexual activity. However, he also admitted that the difference
between a normal sexual fantasy and an abnormal sexual fantasy lies
essentially in the attitude of the person toward the fantasy itself, their
value system, and their overall mental health. After a review of the
relevant issues, Goleman and Bush (1977) concluded that most sex
therapists today prefer to help clients accept their sexual fantasies
unless the end product might lead to danger for the client or others.
Consequently, in the late 1950s and early 1960s sexual fantasies
finally came to be viewed as a behavior to be studied rather than a
symptom to be cured. Hollender (1963), among others, has tried to
determine why women fantasize during sexual intercourse. He
theorized that many women use sexual fantasies to remove themselves
from the sex act itself, as well as to disassociate themselves from the
person with whom they are having sexual intercourse, due to fear,
shame, or guilt. Thus, the sexual fantasy may function to eliminate
sources of concern by creating a situation in which the woman controls
the tempo, thus helping her to enjoy the sexual experience and its at-
tendant emotions (Hollender).
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 187

May (1968) suggested that for each man and woman a sexual fantasy
pattern may exist that goes beyond the anatomy of the genitals and
into the subtleties of thought, feeling, and imagination. Women, for
example, were able to view sexual fantasies as beneficial to maintain-
ing normal ego functioning.
During the past few years, the extent and type of sexual fantasies
among women have received some attention in the field of sex
research. Utilizing a largely narrative approach, Friday (1973, 1975)
reported in two widely popular books .the content of many female sex-
ual fantasies. According to Friday (1973), some of the most common
sexual fantasy themes were: having sexual intercourse with a faceless
stranger, performing before an audience, rape, prostitution, young
boys, animals, black men, domination, lesbianism, and extramarital
sex. More recently, Wolfe (1981) found that younger women were more
likely to fantasize about their current sex partner or a famous person,
whereas older women were more likely to fantasize about having sex-
ual intercourse with an acquaintance, a stranger, or an animal (p. 372).
Interestingly, Harris, Yulis, and LaCosta (1980) ascertained that the
ability of women to engage in detailed sexual fantasies was associated
with self-reports of higher sexual arousability.
Moreault (1978) has indicated that women with high levels of guilt
are more likely to report types of sexual fantasies that suggest a lack
of responsibility for engaging in sexual intercourse. Furthermore, she
determined that as experience with masturbation and sexual inter-
course increased, the potential level of sexual arousal and the produc-
tion of sexual fantasies increased.
Brown and Hart (1977) disclosed that 99% of their female respon-
dents reported having had one or more sexual fantasies during the
preceding 12 months. The number of different types of sexual
fantasies increased with the age of the respondent through the middle
twenties until the middle thirties, then leveled off and began to drop
for older women. Those women who were more anxious and dissatis-
fied with their lives tended to experience more different types of sexual
fantasies than those who were less anxious and more satisfied with
their lives. Although Murray (1978) found that lack of sexual satisfac-
tion was associated with a high frequency of sexual fantasizing, his
study focused primarily on sexual fantasizing during daydreaming.
Crepault, Abraham, Porto, and Couture (1977) revealed that 94% of
their respondents had experienced sexual fantasies during sexual
activity. In a monumental study of the female orgasm by Fisher
188 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

(1973), 75% of the respondents reported experiencing sexual fantasies

during sexual intercourse. Of these sexual fantasies, 40% typically in-
volved a sex partner other than the husband (Fisher, p. 213). These
findings strongly contradict those of Hessellund (1976) in his study of
masturbation among married couples. Of his female respondents, only
37% reported experiencing sexual fantasies under any circumstances.
Furthermore, only 21% of the women reported ever experiencing
sexual fantasies during both masturbation and sexual intercourse.
Although the study by Sue (1979) involved mostly unmarried
respondents (only 7% marrieds), it is of value to consider his findings
concerning the function/purpose of sexual fantasies. The two most
often reported functions for sexual fantasies among women were: to
facilitate arousal (46%) and to increase attractiveness of the sex part-
ner (22%). Byrne and Byrne (1977) also have suggested that sexual
fantasies can enhance sexual arousal as well as provide a basis of com-
parison for prior sexual experiences.
Hariton (1973) found that having sexual fantasies while engaging in
sexual intercourse with one's spouse did not correlate with marital
maladjustment. In fact, Kelly (1978) found a statistically significant
positive relationship between marital adjustment and fantasy func-
tion. She determined that, in highly adjusted marriages, sexual
fantasies served to enhance sexual arousal. In addition, an inverse
relationship was found to exist between the level of physiological sex-
ual arousal and/or response and the frequency of sexual fantasizing.
This finding provides further support to the argument that sexual
fantasies are used to help increase sexual arousal for many people.
Finally, the theme of rape has been identified within the sexual
fantasy repertoires of many women. Within the rape fantasy, an
element of control usually can be identified because females rarely
report sexual fantasizing about violence or sexual unpleasantness
(Shanor, 1974). Consequently, the rape fantasy should be viewed as a
choice by the fantasizer, whereas actually being raped is an experience
of helplessness (Shanor).
In summary, the literature indicates that sexual fantasies came to
be viewed as nondeviant behavioral phenomenon during the late 1950s
and early 1960s. Hollender (1963) suggested that sexual fantasies may
help achieve sexual arousal, and May (1968) speculated that sexual
fantasies help maintain normal ego functioning. Finally, Shanor (1974)
and Kardener (1975) have speculated that not only is the rape fantasy
very prevalent, as indicated by the works of Friday (1973,1975), but it
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 189

functions to help some women overcome negative feelings regarding

the propriety of "nice" girls having sexual intercourse. More recently,
Moreault (1978) found that as experience with sexual intercourse and
masturbation increased, the frequency of sexual fantasies increased.
Brown and Hart (1977), Crepault et al. (1977), and Fisher (1973) deter-
mined that sexual fantasies during sexual intercourse were a frequent
occurrence among women. The work of Byrne and Byrne (1977), Sue
(1979), Kelly (1978), and Harris et al. (1980) indicate that sexual fanta-
sies assist with achieving sexual arousal during sexual activity. In
addition, Hariton (1973) and Kelly have reported that sexual fantasies
are not associated with marital maladjustment. However, Murray
(1978) found a negative relationship between sexual satisfaction and
frequency of sexual fantasies, although his data focused on sexual
fantasizing during daydreaming. In addition, Brown and Hart found
that women who experienced more anxiety and dissatisfaction with
their lives reported more sexual fantasies.
Our review of the empirical studies revealed that no clear theoretical
orientation/perspective had been employed in most earlier research
efforts. Nevertheless, the analysis strongly suggested to us that a
structural-functionalist perspective was an appropriate one for the
study of sexual fantasies. This theoretical orientation considers the
consequences of any social/mental activity for adaptation or adjust-
ment of a given social structure or its social actors (Coser & Rosen-
berg, 1964). In the case of sexual fantasies, it has been suggested that
these mental images can enhance sexual arousal as well as provide a
basis for comparison of current sexual experiences with previous sex-
ual experiences (Byrne & Byrne, 1977). Further support for using a
structural-functionalist approach can be found in the work of Hawkins
(1974), who has argued that sexual fantasies serve to provide healthy
outlets for the release of otherwise forbidden erotic impulses. Finally,
in a study of the psychological meaning of fantasies, 70% of the
psychiatrists surveyed believed that sexual fantasies involving sexual
partners other than one's spouse were not symptomatic of unfulfilling
sexual relationships ("Sexual Survey #3," 1977).
The central questions are: what meaning and/or function does sexual
fantasizing have for the participants? Are there any differences
regarding utilization of sexual fantasies between married women who
are: satisfied, neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, or dissatisfied with
their current sex life? From the literature several relevant, potential
correlates of fantasies were derived. These include: frequency of sexual
190 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

fantasies; frequency of guilt feelings; and role of sexual fantasies

during foreplay, sexual arousal, and sexual intercourse. For this
investigation, we therefore developed the following research
hypotheses:
1. There is a negative relationship between frequency of sexual
fantasies and rating of current sex life.
2. There is a positive relationship between having sexual fantasies
during foreplay and rating of current sex life.
3. There is a positive relationship between having sexual fantasies
during sexual intercourse and rating of current sex life.
4. There is a positive relationship between frequency of sexual
fantasies about current sex partner and rating of current sex life.
5. There is a negative relationship between frequency of sexual
fantasies about more affectionate sex partner and rating of
current sex life.
6. There is a negative relationship between using sexual fantasies to
achieve sexual arousal and rating of current sex life.
7. There is a negative relationship between using sexual fantasies to
achieve orgasm and rating of current sex life.
8. There is a positive relationship between frequency of guilt feel-
ings about sexual fantasies and rating of current sex life.
Given the scarcity of studies involving the sexual practices and atti-
tudes of college-level educated married women, a sample from this
population was obtained.
Method
Subjects
The sample consisted of 212 married, undergraduate and graduate
female students at a midwestern commuter state university of 5,500
students, located in a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area of
290,000 population. The undergraduate respondents were enrolled in
4-year degree programs in liberal arts, education, and business, where-
as the graduate students were enrolled in various master's degree pro-
grams in education and business. All students in each of the selected
classes agreed to participate in the research project. These 212 respon-
dents were part of a larger sample of 840 respondents which included
never-married men; never-married women; married men; widowed,
divorced, and separated men; and widowed, divorced, and separated
women. Since the subsample of 127 married men resulted in small cell
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 191

sizes for some variables, a comparison of married men and married

women was not deemed practical for this investigation.
The sampling distribution of the married women consisted of 19%
lower division students, 27% upper division students, and 54%
graduate students. Consequently, the general applicability of the find-
ings is restricted to people with similar education and marital status.
Because of the commuter status of this university and the percentage
of graduate student respondents, the mean age of the sample was 28.1
years with a range of 18-40 years.
Questionnaire1
The survey instrument consisted of 35 open-ended and closed-ended
questions. Demographic questions dealing with sex, age, marital
status, and academic class appeared at the beginning of the instru-
ment as a prelude to specific questions regarding sexual fantasies and
sexual behavior. To assess the variety and content of the sexual fanta-
sies ever experienced by respondents, a lengthy, closed-form question
containing a checklist of 49 sexual fantasy types was included in the
survey instrument. This checklist was developed from the existing
literature and from data obtained in two pretests of the survey instru-
ment. The first pretest utilized female university students and the
second pretest utilized female registered nurses participating in a con-
tinuing education workshop on human sexuality. The respondents also
could add fantasy types not contained in the original checklist. The
respondents were then asked to indicate on a separate page their five
favorite sexual fantasies, in order of preference, again using the check-
list format. The role of sexual fantasies in the sexual activities of the
respondents was also sought along with data on frequency of sexual
intercourse and masturbation. Finally, 5-choice Likert-type items were
provided for self-reporting of satisfaction with overall sexual adjust-
ment and satisfaction with current sex life.
Although the test-retest reliability of the instrument was not estab-
lished, we believe the data are useful because we used instructions and
answer categories comparable to those previously utilized by other
researchers. It is important to remember that the reliability of an in-
strument can never be completely demonstrated with a pilot survey in-
strument. As for validity, we followed the reasoning of Campbell and
Fiske, found in Bohrnstedt (1968), in their conceptualization of conver-
gent validity by reviewing data for other measures which suggested
1
A copy of the questionnaire is available upon request from the first author.
192 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

the same relationship between the variables of sexual satisfaction and

sexual fantasies.
Procedure
With the cooperation of the various instructors, student volunteers
were asked by the co-principal, female investigator to complete an
anonymous questionnaire in class. The cover sheet of the question-
naire indicated that the data were being collected in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for a graduate course in human sexuality in which
the female co-investigator was enrolled. The stated purpose of the
project was to ascertain the relationship, if any, between sexual fanta-
sies and sexual responsiveness and/or sexual satisfaction. The usual
items required for human subjects board approval such as voluntary
participation, anonymity, etc., were included in this initial introduc-
tion to the questionnaire. In addition, a brief prepared statement
covering essentially the same points contained in the cover sheet was
presented by the female co-investigator to each class at the time of
questionnaire distribution. To assure anonymity, all student
respondents were instructed to insert the completed questionnaires in
a ballot-type box at the front of the classroom.

Results
Sexual History
For the purposes of data analyses, the variable "satisfaction with
current sex life" was recoded from a 5-category variable to a 3-cate-
gory variable by combining the categories of very much satisfied and
satisfied and by combining the categories of very much dissatisfied
and dissatisfied. Cell sizes in the analyses vary as a result of a few
respondents not answering every question.
The overall mean frequency for sexual intercourse for the respon-
dents, without regard to satisfaction with their current sex life, was
10.44 times per month (SD = 7.23). Respective mean frequencies for
each group were: satisfied, 10.83 (SD = 6.44); neither satisfied nor dis-
satisfied, 10.48 (SD = 11.39); dissatisfied, 5.62 (SD = 4.33), F(2, 192)
= 3.19, p < .05. To illuminate the differences in the mean frequencies
of sexual intercourse among the respondent groups further, follow-up
t-tests were calculated. For the satisfaction versus dissatisfaction
groups comparison, £(340) = 5.21, p < .05, and for the neither satisfac-
tion nor dissatisfaction group versus the dissatisfaction group, £(76) =
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 193

5.77, p < .05. No difference was found between the satisfaction group
and the neither group, £(182) = -.56, p < .10.
Among the respondents who reported masturbation, the mean fre-
quency was 2.46 times per month (SD = 2.62). Broken down by satis-
faction group, respective means were: satisfied, 2.54 (SD = 2.75);
neither, 1.80 (SD = 1.30); dissatisfied, 2.25 {SD = 1.26), F(2, 58) = .20,
p > .10. (The low incidence of reports of masturbation may be at-
tributable to the heavy concentration of Roman Catholics in the area
from which the sample was obtained.)
Of all respondents, 51% of those individuals who reported satisfac-
tion with their current sex life reported having engaged in solitary
masturbation, in comparison to only 40% of those individuals report-
ing dissatisfaction with their current sex life, \2{2, N = 196) = 2.26,
p > .10. The data suggest that solitary masturbation is not necessarily
being used as a technique for coping with sexual dissatisfaction but,
rather, to enhance sexual pleasure. Conditional support for this inter-
pretation is found in the data on masturbation utilized as part of fore-
play and/or afterplay with the sex partner. Of the respondents who re-
ported satisfaction with their current sex life, 48% used masturbation
during foreplay and/or afterplay in comparison to 46% of those who in-
dicated neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction, and only 38% of those
respondents who indicated dissatisfaction with their current sex life.
These differences are not statistically significant, x2(2, N = 111) = .31,
p > .10, giving no support to the compensatory hypothesis.
Concerning orgasmic experience, 95% of the respondents who were
satisfied with their current sex life reported having experienced an
orgasm, contrasted with 86% of the respondents who were neither
satisfied nor dissatisfied, and only 73% of the respondents who were
dissatisfied with their current sex life, x2(2, N = 206) = 20.07, p <
.001.
Of the total group of respondents, 75% admitted to having engaged
in nonsexual thoughts during sexual intercourse. Further analysis
determined that 75% of the satisfied group, 74% of the neither satis-
fied nor dissatisfied group, and 73% of the dissatisfied group reported
having experienced nonsexual thoughts during intercourse, x2(2, N =
202) = .03, p > .10. However, the actual frequency of nonsexual
thoughts during sexual intercourse was related to satisfaction with
one's current sex life. Of those respondents who were satisfied with
their current sex life, 13% indicated they frequently engaged in non-
sexual thoughts during sexual intercourse, in comparison to 36% of
194 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

those individuals who were dissatisfied, and 40% of those neither

satisfied nor dissatisfied. In contrast, 43% of the respondents who
were satisfied seldom engaged in nonsexual thoughts during sexual
intercourse, whereas only 30% of the neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
group and 9% of the dissatisfied group seldom engaged in nonsexual
thoughts, x2(4, N = 150) = 13.96, p < .01. The most prevalent non-
sexual thoughts reported during sexual intercourse, in order of fre-
quency, were (a) things that had to be done, such as, cleaning, washing,
etc. (57%); (b) distractions, such as, radio, wind, children, etc. (53%); (c)
pressing activities, such as, exam, errand, carpooling, etc. (47%); (d)
love and tenderness (41%); and (e) family problems (37%).
Evaluation of Hypotheses
Of the 212 respondents, 88% indicated that they had ever experi-
enced a sexual fantasy. For those respondents reporting satisfaction
with their current sex life, 87% had experienced sexual fantasies, in
comparison to 93% of those reporting neither satisfaction nor dissatis-
faction and 88% of those respondents reporting dissatisfaction, x2(2,
N = 210) = .70, p > .10. The remaining data analyses were restricted
to those respondents who reported having experienced a sexual
fantasy.
Despite the widespread existence of sexual fantasizing, only 20% of
the total sample engaged in sexual fantasies on a frequent basis. All
three groups tended to engage in sexual fantasies primarily on an occa-
sional basis (Table 1). The relationship between frequency of sexual
fantasies and rating of current sex life (Hypothesis 1) was not signifi-
cant, x2(4, N = 181) = 3.57, p > .10.
The most prevalent situational context for sexual fantasies was
found to be daydreaming, regardless of the satisfaction or dissatis-
Table 1
Rating of Current Sex Life by Frequency of Sexual Fantasies
Rating of current sex life
Neither satisfied
Satisfied nor dissatisfied Dissatisfied Totals
Frequency of (n = 141) In = 26) in = 14) (n = 181)
sexual fantasies % % % %
Frequently 18 31 21 20
Occasionally 56 54 65 57
Seldom 26 15 14 23
Note. x2(4. AT = 181) = 3.57, p > .10.
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 195

faction with one's sex life (Table 2). With regard to sexual fantasies
during foreplay and rating of current sex life (Hypothesis 2), those
respondents who indicated dissatisfaction with their current sex lives
experienced sexual fantasies during foreplay more frequently (69%)
than those respondents who reported neither satisfaction nor dissatis-
faction (32%) or satisfaction with their current sex life (43%), x2(2,
N = 180) = 4.85, p < .09. The relationship between having sexual
fantasies during sexual intercourse and rating of current sex life
(Hypothesis 3) was not significant, x2(2, N = 180) = 1.15, p > .10.
There also was no association between fantasizing while mastur-
bating, immediately prior to orgasm, or while petting and rating of
current sex life (Table 2).

Table 2
Rating of Current Sex Life by Situational Context of Sexual Fantasies
Rating of current sex life
Neither
satisfied nor Dis-
Satisfied dissatisfied satisfied Totals
Situational context of (n = 142) (n = 25) (n = 13) (AT = 180)
sexual fantasies (2, N = 180)
Daydreaming 77 76 85 77 .44
During foreplay 43 32 69 43 4.85
During sexual
intercourse 38 36 23 37 1.15
During masturbation 33 24 23 31 1.24
Immediately prior to
orgasm 23 12 15 21 1.61
During petting 22 12 23 21 1.31
Note. Percentage refers to those respondents indicating that they had experienced
sexual fantasy in this situational context.

Data on the 15 sexual fantasy types most frequently ever experi-

enced provide valuable insights into the role of sexual fantasies and
satisfaction with one's current sex life (Table 3). The eight sexual
fantasies most frequently experienced, without regard to sexual satis-
faction and in order of mention, were: an extramarital affair (41%); re-
living sexual experience but not first sexual experience (39%); different
position for coitus (38%); current sex partner (36%); sex in rooms other
than the bedroom (35%); new sex partner (34%); more affectionate sex
partner (30%); and sex on a carpeted floor (28%). If the responses for
"new sex partner" had been combined with those for "extramarital af-
196 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

Table 3
Eating of Current Sex Life by Type of Sexual Fantasy Ever Experienced
Rating of current sex life
Satisfied Neither" Dissatis. Totals
{n = 145) [n = 26) (n = 13) (TV = 184) X2
Type of sexual fantasy % % % % (2, N = 184)
Current sex partner 41 23 8 36 8.17*
Extramarital affair 39 50 46 41 1.17
Reliving sexual experience,
not first 38 35 62 39 3.05
Sex in rooms not bedroom 37 27 31 35 1.00
Different positions for coitus 37 39 39 38 .02
New sex partner 33 31 54 34 2.44
Sex on carpeted floor 30 12 31 28 3.96
Reliving first sexual
experience 28 12 31 26 3.36
Sex in motel 28 23 15 27 1.21
Sex on beach 27 19 31 26 .83
More affectionate sex
partner 26 46 54 30 8.06*
Pretend with former sex
partner 26 31 15 27 1.07
Multiple orgasms 26 23 23 25 .10
Oral sex 24 27 23 25 .11
Being sexually uninhibited 23 31 31 25 .88
Note. Percentage refers to those respondents indicating they had experienced this type
of sexual fantasy.
"Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
*p < .02.

fair," the category of sexual fantasies involving a sex partner other

than the husband would have had the most overall men-
tions by an even greater margin.
The 15 sexual fantasies most frequently ever experienced were
statistically evaulated on an individual basis to determine whether
any differences exist between the respondent groups on the variable of
satisfaction with current sex life. In the interest of brevity, only two
research hypotheses had been developed, one predicting a positive
relationship between frequency of sexual fantasies about current sex
partner and rating of current sex life (Hypothesis 4); the other predict-
ing a positive relationship between frequency of fantasizing about a
more affectionate sex partner and current rating (Hypothesis 5). As
shown in Table 3, both hypotheses were supported. None of the other
types of fantasies varied significantly as a function of current rating of
sex life.
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 197

In addition, the respondents had been asked to indicate their five

favorite sexual fantasies. For ease of comparison with the data in
Table 3, only the 15 sexual fantasies most preferred were included for
consideration in Table 4. The eight most preferred sexual fantasies,
without regard to level of sexual satisfaction and in order of mention,
were: reliving sexual experience, not first (26%); extramarital affair
(24%); current sex partner (23%); new sex partner (21%); more affec-
tionate partner (19%); different positions for coitus (18%); reliving
first sexual experience (15%); and overpowered by acquaintance and
forced to sexually surrender (15%). All 15 of the most preferred sexual
fantasies were evaluated to determine whether differences exist with

Table 4
Rating of Current Sex Life by Preference of Sexual Fantasy
Ratinj ; of current sex life
Satisfied Neither* Dissatis. Totals
(n = 130) (n = 24) (n = 11) {N = 165) X2
Preference of sexual fantasy % % % % (2, N = 165)
Current sex partner 26 13 9 23 3.42
Reliving sexual experience,
not first 25 29 18 26 .48
Extramarital affair 25 25 9 24 1.47
New sex partner 21 25 18 21 .28
Different positions for coitus 18 17 18 18 .02
Reliving first sexual
experience 16 8 9 15 1.28
Overpowered by
acquaintance with
sexual surrender 15 13 18 15 .22
Sex on beach 15 0 9 12 4.16
More affectionate sex
partner 14 46 18 19 13.59*
Being sexually uninhibited 14 13 18 14 .21
Pretend with former sex
partner 14 17 0 13 1.95
Multiple orgasms 10 13 18 11 .77
Overpowered by stranger
with sexual surrender 9 13 9 9 .40
Sex in motel 9 13 9 10 .25
Sex with famous people 7 8 27 9 5.41
Note. Percentage refers to those respondents indicating this sexual fantasy category as
one of five favorite sexual fantasies.
a
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
*p <.001.
198 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

regard to satisfaction with current sex life. Only one was found: In the
neither satisfied nor dissatisfied group, 46% reported more affec-
tionate sex partner as their preferred sexual fantasy in comparison to
only 14% of the satisfied group and only 18% of the dissatisfied group.
In order to assess the functions of sexual fantasies, respondents
were asked whether sexual fantasies were used to help achieve sexual
arousal (Hypothesis 6) and/or orgasm (Hypothesis 7). Negative rela-
tionships were predicted. Respondents who reported satisfaction or
neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction with their current sex life were
sb'ghtly more likely (81%) to use sexual fantasies to achieve sexual
arousal than those reporting dissatisfaction (71%) or those reporting
satisfaction (77%). These differences are not statistically significant,
X2(2, N = 179) = .45, p > .10. Those respondents who indicated satis-
faction with their current sex life were more likely (67%) to utilize sex-
ual fantasies to help achieve orgasm than those indicating dissatis-
faction (57%) or neither (62%), but the difference is not significant,
X2(2,N= 177) = .78,p >.10.
Another approach to assessing the functions of sexual fantasies for
married females was to ascertain the amount of guilt (Hypothesis 8)
associated with engaging in sexual fantasies. It was predicted that
more guilt about fantasizing would be associated with a higher rating
of current sex life. Although those individuals who reported satisfac-
tion with their current sex life experienced somewhat fewer guilt feel-
ings about their sexual fantasies, the differences were not found to be
statistically significant (Table 5).
Finally, given the varying opinions concerning the value and mean-
ing of sexual fantasies, it is of interest to note whether the sex partners
of the respondents were aware of the respondents' sexual fantasies.
Table 5
Rating of Current Sex Life by Feel Guilty About Sexual Fantasies
Rating of current sex life
Neither satisfied
Satisfied nor dissatisfied Dissatisfied Totals
Feel guilty about (n = 137) (n = 25) (n = 12) (AT= 174)
sexual fantasies % % %
Frequently 7 16 8 8
Occasionally 22 32 42 25
Seldom 33 16 17 29
Never 38 36 33 38
Note. xH6,N= 174) = 7.06,p >.10.
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 199

Among all respondents, without reference to satisfaction with current

sex life, only 25% reported their sex partners were aware of their
sexual fantasies. With regard to rating of current sex life, 26% of those
reporting satisfaction, 32% reporting neither satisfaction nor dissatis-
faction, and 7% of those reporting dissatisfaction indicated that their
sex partners were aware of their sexual fantasies. These differences,
however, are not statistically significant, x2(2, N = 178) = 3.06, p >
.10.

Table 6
Rating of Current Sex Life by Perceived Reaction of Partner, Should He Become Aware
of Sexual Fantasies
Rating of current sex life
Satisfied Neither8 Dissatis. Totals
(n = 119) (n = 23) (n = 12) {N = 154) x2
Perceived reaction of partner % % % % (2, N = 154)
Acceptance 50 39 33 47 1.79
Try harder to please 27 30 33 27 .43
Feel hurt 25 22 33 25 .56
Damaging to ego 24 35 33 26 1.64
Partner jealous 19 9 33 18 3.25
Feelings of inadequacy 15 30 17 18 3.13
Sexual arousal 14 17 17 15 .18
Note. Percentage refers to those respondents indicating that they had a perceived re-
action of partner.
"Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

Those respondents who reported that their sex partners were

unaware of their sexual fantasies were subsequently presented a
closed-form question regarding possible partner reactions if the
respondents' sexual fantasies should be revealed (Table 6). The most
frequently perceived reactions of the sex partner,, should they ever
become aware of the sexual fantasies, without regard to level of sexual
satisfaction and in order of mention, were: acceptance (47%); try
harder to please (27%); damaging to his ego (26%); feel hurt (25%);
partner would be jealous (18%); feelings of inadequacy (18%); and sex-
ual arousal (15%). Each perceived reaction was subjected to statistical
analysis between the respondent groups, but none of the differences
proved to be statistically significant.
Discussion
The prevalence of sexual fantasies (88%) among married women was,
200 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

in this sample, similar to the findings of Brown and Hart (1977) who
reported that 99% of their respondents had experienced sexual fanta-
sies during the past 12 months. Brown and Hart found no relationship
between ever having experienced sexual fantasies and marital status.
In addition, Crepault et al. (1977) ascertained that 94% of their
respondents had experienced sexual fantasies. Their respondents in-
cluded both married women and women cohabiting with a person of
the opposite sex.
The finding that having ever engaged in sexual fantasies was
unrelated to satisfaction with current sex life supports, at least par-
tially, the conclusion of Hariton (1973) that having sexual fantasies
during sexual intercourse with one's spouse does not necessarily sug-
gest marital dissatisfaction. Kelly (1978), however, did find a signifi-
cant relationship between marital adjustment and the function of sex-
ual fantasies. In highly adjusted marriages, sexual fantasies served to
enhance sexual arousal and orgasmic response. However, as the level
of arousal increased, the quantity of sexual fantasizing decreased dur-
ing that particular episode of sexual activity.
The findings concerning the context of sexual fantasies were con-
sistent with those of Murray (1978) and Mednick (1978) who found
that sexual fantasizing occurred most often during daydreaming.
However, these data contrast sharply with those of Fisher (1973) who
reported that 75% of his respondents had experienced sexual fantasies
during sexual intercourse. Our findings also are somewhat consistent
with those of Mednick who found that the situational contexts for sex-
ual fantasies, in rank order of occurrence, were: daydreaming, mastur-
bation, and sexual intercourse.
If one assumes that the most frequently reported sexual fantasies
are likely to be the most preferred sexual fantasies, these data provide
valuable insights when considering previous research. The overall data
were, in part, consistent with the findings of Talbot, Beech, and
Vaughan (1980) who reported that "reliving a previous sexual experi-
ence" (p. 82) was the sexual fantasy most often reported by their
female respondents. However, their entire sample "all had regular sex-
ual partners but were not necessarily married" (p. 81), so their sample
is not quite the same. Furthermore, in the Talbot et al. data, one can-
not be certain as to whether "first" as well as "subsequent" sexual
experiences are included in the category, "reliving previous experi-
ence." In addition, these findings accord with those of Hessellund
(1976) who found that the most prevalent sexual fantasy reported by
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 201

married women involved a sex partner other than the current spouse.
Crepault et al. (1977) also found the two most prevalent sexual fanta-
sies to be "reliving former sexual encounter" and "different sex part-
ner."
The current findings, however, differ substantially from those of
Hariton and Singer (1974) regarding the sexual fantasy, "being over-
powered and forced to sexually surrender" (p. 317). These researchers
found that the two most prevalent sexual fantasies were: having sex
with another man, 56%; and being overpowered and forced to have
sex, 49%. Talbot et al. found that "being overpowered and forced to
sexually surrender" was the second most often utilized sexual fantasy
by their respondents during various sexual activities, including sexual
intercourse.
During the pretest phase, some differences were found in whether
the fantasy, "overpowered and forced to sexually surrender" involved
an acquaintance versus a stranger. Consequently, it was decided to
separate this variable into two separate fantasies: "overpowered and
forced to sexually surrender by an acquaintance" and "overpowered
and forced to sexually surrender by a stranger." The fantasy, "over-
powered and forced to sexually surrender by an acquaintance" was
found to be the seventh most preferred sexual fantasy, whereas "over-
powered and forced to sexually surrender by a stranger" was found to
be the 14th most preferred sexual fantasy in this study. These find-
ings, however, are somewhat similar to those of Crepault et al. (1977)
who found that being "overpowered and forced to sexually surrender
while being tied up" was the 10th most prevalent fantasy, whereas
being "overpowered and forced to sexually surrender by strangers"
was the 25th most prevalent sexual fantasy. However, it should be ob-
served that the phrase, "most prevalent/most utilized" as used by
Hariton and Singer (1974), Talbot et al. (1980), and Crepault et al. may
not be synonymous with the term, "most preferred." Nevertheless,
logic would seem to permit the conclusion that the terms, "prevalent"
and "preferred" are at least very closely related.
Although the current data do not allow an interpretation of the
source of any guilt feelings that might be associated with experiencing
sexual fantasies, the finding that no significant differences existed be-
tween amount of guilt associated with engaging in sexual fantasies
and rating of current sex life is itself important. Moreault (1978) has
reported that women with high levels of guilt are more likely to experi-
ence sexual fantasies, which he interpreted to mean a lack of desire for
202 J. K. DAVIDSON, SR., AND L. E. HOFFMAN

responsibility in sexual activity. The position taken by Moreault is

consistent with the meaning of rape fantasies suggested by Kardener
(1975) who has argued that some women need to absolve themselves of
the responsibility for participation in sexual intercourse in order to
gain any enjoyment from the sexual experience itself, given their prior
socialization.
Though the results of this study may suggest an alternative expla-
nation for the function of sexual fantasies, the data do not permit a
clear refutation of the aforementioned arguments by Moreault (1978)
and Kardener (1975). The current findings which strongly suggest that
sexual fantasies help to achieve an increased state of sexual arousal
and/or aid in achieving orgasm for some women, irrespective of the
degree of satisfaction with one's current sex life, are supported by
other research. Kelly (1978) concluded that "sexual fantasy appears to
be an inherent human potential, a natural covert level of sexual
response" (p. 1457b). This interpretation is supported by Talbot et al.
(1980) who found that 98% of their respondents reported use of sexual
fantasies to either increase and/or start sexual excitement. Further-
more, 28% of the respondents indicated using sexual fantasies for the
specific purpose of helping to achieve orgasm, and 53% reported using
sexual fantasies during the "initial part of sexual intercourse." In
addition, Moreault (1978) reported that as experience with masturba-
tion and sexual intercourse increased, the potential level of sexual
arousal and the production of sexual fantasies increased. Therefore,
one would anticipate that as an individual becomes more sexually
experienced, the structural background for sexual fantasies should
greatly increase, along with the potential for greater levels of sexual
arousal in comparison to the sexually inexperienced person.

Conclusions
The findings of this study do not support previous arguments that
engaging in sexual fantasies may be undesirable from a mental health
perspective. To the contrary, 88% of all respondents reported experi-
encing a sexual fantasy, and no significant differences were found with
regard to ever having had a sexual fantasy and satisfaction with cur-
rent sex life. Furthermore, no significant differences were found with
regard to frequency of sexual fantasizing and satisfaction with current
sex life. However, a positive relationship was found between satisfac-
tion with current sex life and frequency of sexual intercourse.
 SEXUAL FANTASIES AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION 203

Sexual fantasies were most likely to occur, in rank order, during day-
dreaming and during various stages of heterosexual sexual activity.
No significant differences were found with regard to the context of
sexual fantasies and satisfaction with current sex life.
Respondents who reported being satisfied with their current sex life
were much more likely to have ever fantasized about their current sex
partner, whereas those respondents dissatisfied with their current sex
life were much more likely to have fantasized about a more affectionate
sex partner. Respondents reporting being neither satisfied nor dis-
satisfied with their current sex life were more likely to prefer fanta-
sizing about a more affectionate sex partner.
These findings differ from those of earlier researchers in that the
sexual fantasy of being overpowered and forced to sexually surrender
was ranked much lower in preference. The need for a reconceptualiza-
tion of this so-called rape fantasy seems warranted.
These data strongly suggest that sexual fantasies function (at least
for some married women) to help achieve sexual arousal and/or orgasm
during foreplay and sexual intercourse—irrespective of satisfaction or
dissatisfaction with current sex life. One must, therefore, conclude
that sexual fantasies among married women represent a very personal
experience to be enjoyed rather than viewed as detrimental to their
overall sexual adjustment.
Finally, although much additional survey research is needed to test
further the conclusions suggested by this study, the tentative results
support using the structural-functionalist perspective to investigate
sexual fantasies. For example, why are sexual fantasies used by mar-
ried women for sexual arousal and/or to help achieve orgasm? Can it be
concluded that the situational contexts for sexual fantasies are
culturally induced? It is hoped that other researchers will subject
these suggested questions as well as others to further empirical
investigation.

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Accepted for publication April 13, 1984

Issue Consultants
The following individuals, in addition to members of the Editorial Board,
have recently served as reviewers. Their advice is greatly appreciated.
Bernard Apfelbaum John Money
Toni Antonucci Wesley Morgan
Ray Bixler Charles Moser
Richard R. Clopper, Jr. Martin Obler
Les Leanne Hoyt Croft Carolyn Oppenheimer
John DeLamater Diane Phillis
Edward Donnerstein Karen Polonko
J. Ross Eshleman James W. Ramey
Delia Reaves Fitz-Gerald Dan Rubenstein
Max Fitz-Gerald Howard J. Ruppel, Jr.
Deborah Foss-Goodman Bernard Saper
Luis T. Garcia Marshall Segall
John P. Hatch Jeffrey Victor
Peter Hoon Caroline K. Waterman
Richard Kavich-Sharon Beverly Whipple
Victor J. Malatesta Margo Wilson

Editor's Comment
We also want to extend a special thanks to Scott Zanger for his many con-
tributions to the Journal over the past couple of years. Although Scott has
worked part-time for CMD for almost 5 years, he only joined the Journal staff
2 years ago. Since then, he has done the majority of the typing. He has also fre-
quently served as a proofreader, copy editor, and sounding board. More impor-
tant, has become a trusted friend. Scott graduates this May from Syracuse
University. His plans are to pursue graduate education in psychology.
Although we will miss him greatly, we are confident that those qualities of in-
dependence, initiative, and love which he has demonstrated in working with us
will serve him well in his future endeavors. On behalf of the Journal and SSSS,
we wish you continued success and happiness. We'll miss you, Scott!
CMD and SLD