Gender Differences in Sexuality: Perceptions,Myths,and Realities

Couples and family counselors may be faced with cases of sexual and relationship difficulties that are caused, or at least exacerbated, by client perceptions and beliefs as to how men and women differ with regard to sexuality. Some such perceptions and beliefs may be consistent with findings from empirical research, whereas others may be based on cultural myths. This article briefly addresses one of the most prevalent and potentially harmful such myths in our culture: Men and women differ in their respective sexual peaks. The article concludes by describing a way clients might be presented with data on gender differences in sexuality that leads to a greater appreciation for the diversity within each gender as well as between the genders.