The Big Bang Theory: Decoding Modern Trends in Orgasms of College Students

Authors: Supriya Mandke, Emma Fitzgerald, Clarissa Covey, Zoe Gonzalez, Haille Mark, Matthew Bitterman

Field of Study: Psychology

Program Affiliation: Binghamton Human Sexualities Lab

Faculty Mentors: Ann Merriwether, Sean Massey, Melissa Hardesty

Easel: 98

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Sexual script theory suggests that college students' sexual encounters have differing expectations for men and women. Over the years, male pleasure has been prioritized, while female pleasure has been stigmatized and even suppressed. This study investigates the persistence of an ‘orgasm gap’ within the context of a shifting socio-political climate and increasing cultural emphasis on female pleasure and sexual agency. Repeated waves (2011 - 2026) of college students were surveyed about their orgasm experience and their partners' experiences in their most recent short-term (hookup) and long-term relationship sexual encounters. Specifically, this study quantifies how the internalization of male-centric sexual scripts correlates with female orgasm disparity. By measuring the gap between perceived pressure to prioritize partner pleasure and reported sexual agency, this study can identify whether modern ‘pro-pleasure’ discourse has translated into an increase in female orgasm frequency and subjective satisfaction.