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Abstract
Two studies using a Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; 2000) framework tested a model of sexual motivation in dating relationships. The model predicted that autonomous (i.e., intrinsic and identified) motives would be positively associated with need satisfaction (i.e., competence, relatedness and autonomy) during sexual activity and sexual satisfaction and that controlling (i.e., introjected and external) motives would be negatively associated with need satisfaction during sexual activity and sexual satisfaction. Moreover, need satisfaction during sexual activity and sexual satisfaction were predicted to mediate the association between sexual motives and outcome variables, such as psychological well-being, sexual well-being, and relational quality. Study 1 was a questionnaire study designed to test the model by investigating general sexual motivation in dating relationships whereas Study 2 was an interaction diary study designed to test the model by investigating specific sexual interactions. Results from both studies supported predictions. Sexual motives were associated with psychological well-being, sexual well-being, and relational quality; need satisfaction during sexual activity and sexual satisfaction mediated the association between sexual motives and outcome variables. In addition, gender differences in sexual motivation were examined, which revealed that men reported more motives for sexual activity than women did. Self-Determination Theory provided a rich theoretical perspective for understanding sexual activity in dating relationships. Further, the present studies extend Self-Determination Theory by demonstrating that self-determined behaviors apply to a variety of social contexts, such as sexual relationships.