
Study finds that sexual fantasies about dominance are linked to greater physiological arousal in women, while fantasies about submission are linked to stronger physiological arousal in men.
From the article:
Traditional gender roles can restrict personal autonomy by forcing people into specific behavioral boxes. The researchers suggest that women might find a sense of empowerment in dominant thoughts, leading to increased arousal. Because social scripts often demand men be strong and aggressive, the privacy of submissive thoughts might provide men with a relaxing escape from those pressures. Breaking away from typical societal expectations might act as a mental catalyst for sexual pleasure.