From Autoerotic Objectification to Relational Co-Construction: Orgasm-Centered Sexuality, Partner Use, and Couple Satisfaction

Orgasm-focused sexual scripts are widely promoted as markers of successful intimacy and relationship quality, yet empirical findings on their links with couple satisfaction are mixed. This conceptual, narrative review proposes a multi-level framework to explain how orgasm-centered sexuality may support or undermine relational well-being depending on whether the partner is engaged as a co-constructing subject or used primarily as a masturbatory object. Drawing on psychodynamic theories of autoerotism, object use and selfobject functioning, and integrating them with empirical constructs such as sexual detachment, sexual narcissism, partner sexual objectification and orgasm goal-focus, we synthesize evidence from dyadic and individual studies on sexual and relationship satisfaction. On this basis, we articulate an autoerotic–relational continuum and a four-level model (intrapersonal, interpersonal, sociocultural, neurobiological) that links dispositional traits and sociocultural scripts to distinct orgasmic sexual patterns and couple outcomes. We conclude that orgasm-centered sexuality is relationally protective when embedded in mutual mentalization and shared meaning, but becomes a risk factor for dissatisfaction, instability and coercive dynamics when organized around partner instrumentalization. The model yields specific, testable hypotheses and clinically relevant guidelines for assessment, couple therapy and psychoeducation.