Psychological feature arousing organisms to physical pleasure and reproduction
Sexual desire is an emotion[1][2] and motivational state characterized by an interest in sexual objects or activities, or by a drive to seek out sexual objects or to engage in sexual activities.[3] It is an aspect of sexuality, which varies significantly from one person to another and also fluctuates depending on circumstances.
It may be the single most common sexual event in human life.[3]
Sexual desire is a subjective feeling state that can be triggered by both internal and external cues, and that may or may not result in overt sexual behaviour.[4] Desire can be aroused through imagination and sexual fantasies, or by perceiving an individual whom one finds attractive.[5] It is also created and amplified through sexual tension, which is caused by sexual desire that has yet to be acted on. Physical manifestations of sexual desire in humans include licking, sucking, tongue protrusion, and puckering and touching the lips.[6]
Desire can be spontaneous or responsive,[7] positive or negative, and can vary in intensity along a spectrum.
^ abRegan, P.C.; Atkins, L. (2006). "Sex Differences and Similarities in Frequency and Intensity of Sexual Desire". Social Behavior & Personality. 34 (1): 95–101. doi:10.2224/sbp.2006.34.1.95. S2CID29944899.
^Beck, J.G.; Bozman, A.W.; Qualtrough, T. (1991). "The Experience of Sexual Desire: Psychological Correlates in a College Sample". The Journal of Sex Research. 28 (3): 443–456. doi:10.1080/00224499109551618.
^Toates, F. (2009). "An Integrative Theoretical Framework for Understanding Sexual Motivation, Arousal, and Behavior". Journal of Sex Research. 46 (2–3): 168–193. doi:10.1080/00224490902747768. PMID19308842. S2CID24622934.