The Fact
A meta-analysis of sexual-arousal research found that physiological genital arousal and self-reported subjective arousal are not always closely matched, and the degree of concordance differs between individuals and groups.
What This Means
A physical response does not automatically prove conscious desire, willingness, or emotional readiness. Physiological response and subjective experience are related but distinct measurements.
Sources
- Chivers, M.L., et al. (2010). “Agreement of self-reported and genital measures of sexual arousal in men and women: a meta-analysis.” Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39(1), 5–56.