The Study of Sexual Fantasy in Women: a Review of the Findings and Methodological Challenges

Purpose of Review Sexual fantasy has been the subject of scientific scrutiny for nearly a century. This review outlines how, despite that scrutiny, methodological and definitional limitations make it difficult to speak with authority to the clinical, relational, and behavioral implications of sexual fantasy. Recent Findings Estimates of the frequency and content of sexual fantasy for women are limited by volunteer and social desirability biases and thus difficult to interpret. For the same reasons, the role that fantasy plays in individual and partnered sexual satisfaction and function is challenging to assess. The most reliable and recent evidence suggests that the effects of sexual fantasy on satisfaction and function are, overall, neutral to positive. Summary Given the complexity and limitations in research investigating sexual fantasy in women, we conclude with a call for new approaches in this field and humility in interpreting the existing evidence.