101
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Strahler J, Baranowski AM, Walter B, Huebner N, Stark R. Attentional bias toward and distractibility by sexual cues: A meta-analytic integration. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 105:276-287. [PMID: 31415866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
From an evolutionary perspective, sexual stimuli are highly salient and are assumed to be processed with high priority. Hence, attentional processing of sexual cues is expected to not only bias attention but to also distract from other cognitive (foreground) tasks. It is, however, unclear to what extent these stimuli capture attention and whether there are differences between men and women. This meta-analysis combined the results of 32 studies employing experiments of attentional bias toward and distraction by sexual stimuli. From these, 13 studies provided data to examine gender differences. Overall, attentional bias and distractibility was lower than anticipated (gz = 0.43, p < .001) and there was support for the assumption of higher attention bias/interference in men (gs = 0.29, p = .031). Importantly, there was evidence for the presence of publication bias. With this in mind, findings are discussed in the context of stimulus features, the impact of provoked sexual arousal and motivational state, and gender-specific and -nonspecific neural processing of sexual stimuli which influence attention toward them.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Strahler
- Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
| | - A M Baranowski
- Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - B Walter
- Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - N Huebner
- Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - R Stark
- Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
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102
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Cherkasskaya E, Rosario M. The Relational and Bodily Experiences Theory of Sexual Desire in Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1659-1681. [PMID: 29926262 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We review the theory and research on women's sexual desire and present a theory that incorporates internalized representations of relational and bodily experiences into our understanding of the full range of desire in women. To this end, we move away from the current tendency to focus on low sexual desire in women and instead consider desire on a spectrum or continuum from absent or diminished to high desire across multiple sexual orientations, including heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian. We review definitions of sexual desire, as well as the epidemiology and etiology of hypoactive sexual desire, the most prevalent sexual complaint in women, including the biological, psychological, and relationship correlates of inhibited sexual desire. Subsequently, we examine the research on highly sexual women, who tend to experience high levels of sexual desire, sexual agency, and sexual esteem, and distinguish between high sexual desire and hypersexuality. We introduce two important constructs that are integrated into the Relational and Bodily Experiences Theory (RBET) of sexual desire in women: attachment and sexual body self-representations, suggesting that women's internalized representations of self and other that stem from childhood and their capacity to embody their sexual bodies are integral to our understanding of the phenomenology of sexual desire in women. RBET calls for further research into the links between attachment, sexual body self-representations, and desire, and suggests that clinical interventions for sexual desire difficulties in women should emphasize internalized working models of relationships (i.e., attachment) and integrate bodily based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Cherkasskaya
- Counseling and Psychological Services/Columbia Health, Columbia University, Alfred Lerner Hall, 8th Floor, 2920 Broadway, Mail Code 2606, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Margaret Rosario
- Department of Psychology, City University of New York-City College and The Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
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103
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The impact of virtual reality versus 2D pornography on sexual arousal and presence. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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104
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Basson R. Are Healthy Parental Attachments and Resilience to Societal Objectification Basic to Women's Sexual Health? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1683-1687. [PMID: 30465313 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1314-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Basson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
- Sexual Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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105
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Concurrent measurement of genital lubrication and blood flow during sexual arousal. Biol Psychol 2019; 145:159-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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106
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George WH. Alcohol and Sexual Health Behavior: "What We Know and How We Know It". JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2019; 56:409-424. [PMID: 30958036 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1588213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol, despite salutary associations with sexuality, has been implicated in sexual health problems. This review examines the relationship between alcohol and outcomes related to sexual health. Methodological considerations limiting causal assertions permissible with nonexperimental data are discussed, as are advantages of experimental methods. Findings from laboratory experiments are reviewed evaluating causal effects of acute alcohol intoxication on a variety of outcomes, including sexual arousal, sexual desire, orgasm, and sexual risk behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Several variables exerting mediating and moderating influences are identified. It is concluded that acute alcohol intoxication is capable of exerting a causal impact on multiple constituent components of sexual responding related to sexual health. Both alcohol expectancy and alcohol myopia theories have been supported as explanations for these causal effects. Furthermore, for sexual risk behavior, noteworthy recent developments include research highlighting the importance of women's sexual victimization history and men's condom use resistance. Limitations and implications associated with this body of research are also discussed.
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107
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Suschinsky KD, Huberman JS, Maunder L, Brotto LA, Hollenstein T, Chivers ML. The Relationship Between Sexual Functioning and Sexual Concordance in Women. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2019; 45:230-246. [PMID: 30898058 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2018.1518881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous research using clinical samples has shown a positive relationship between women's sexual functioning and sexual concordance (i.e., agreement between genital and subjective sexual arousal). We further examined this relationship using concurrent measures of vaginal, clitoral, and subjective sexual responses in a community sample of women (N = 64, with 59.4% and 34.1% reporting sexual desire and/or arousal difficulties, respectively). Contrary to studies using clinical samples, sexual desire and arousal difficulties were associated with stronger sexual concordance, specifically when changes in subjective arousal predicted changes in genital responses. The subjective experience of arousal may be particularly important in influencing genital responses in women with sexual desire and arousal difficulties compared to unaffected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly D Suschinsky
- a Department of Psychology , Queen's University , Kingston , Ontario , Canada
| | - Jackie S Huberman
- a Department of Psychology , Queen's University , Kingston , Ontario , Canada
| | - Larah Maunder
- a Department of Psychology , Queen's University , Kingston , Ontario , Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- b Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Tom Hollenstein
- a Department of Psychology , Queen's University , Kingston , Ontario , Canada
| | - Meredith L Chivers
- a Department of Psychology , Queen's University , Kingston , Ontario , Canada
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108
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Leavitt CE, Lefkowitz ES, Waterman EA. The role of sexual mindfulness in sexual wellbeing, Relational wellbeing, and self-esteem. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2019; 45:497-509. [PMID: 30714489 PMCID: PMC6640099 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2019.1572680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In this study we examine the role of sexual mindfulness in individuals' sexual satisfaction, relational satisfaction, and self-esteem. Midlife U.S. men and women (N = 194 married, heterosexual individuals; 50.7% female; 94% Caucasian, age range 35-60 years) completed an online survey. More sexually mindful individuals tended to have better self-esteem, be more satisfied with their relationships and, particularly for women, be more satisfied with their sex lives. Some of these associations occurred even after controlling for trait mindfulness. These findings may also allow researchers and therapists to better address an individual's sexual wellbeing, relational wellbeing, and self-esteem by teaching sexual mindfulness skills.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva S. Lefkowitz
- Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emily A. Waterman
- Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
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109
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Hendrickx L, Gijs L, Enzlin P. Who's Distressed by Sexual Difficulties? Exploring Associations Between Personal, Perceived Partner, and Relational Distress and Sexual Difficulties in Heterosexual Men and Women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2019; 56:300-313. [PMID: 30028210 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2018.1493570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
While not all sexual difficulties cause distress, research and clinical experience suggest that, apart from personal distress, partner and relational sexual distress are also often an important reason to seek professional help. The current study explored the associations between personal, perceived partner, and relational distress that men and women experience as a result of sexual difficulties. Data from heterosexual Flemish individuals ages 16 to 74 who were in a relationship (13,800 men and 13,242 women, mean age of 43.69, SD = 14.94) were collected via an online survey. Presence and severity of sexual difficulties and associated personal, perceived partner, and relational sexual distress were assessed. Among men and women with desire difficulties, either the three types of sexual distress were almost equally common or partner distress was most common. Arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain difficulties were most often associated with personal distress, particularly in men. Both men and women, however, most commonly reported that they experienced all three types of distress. These results are discussed in relation to Western gender-specific sexual scripts. Clinical implications and the importance of couples therapy and suggestions for clinically useful diagnostic criteria are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies Hendrickx
- a Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences , KU Leuven
| | - Luk Gijs
- a Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences , KU Leuven
| | - Paul Enzlin
- a Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences , KU Leuven
- b Center for Clinical Sexology and Sex Therapy , University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven
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110
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Toward a More Evidence-Based Nosology and Nomenclature for Female Sexual Dysfunctions—Part III. J Sex Med 2019; 16:452-462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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111
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Borg C, Oosterwijk TA, Lisy D, Boesveldt S, de Jong PJ. The influence of olfactory disgust on (Genital) sexual arousal in men. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213059. [PMID: 30817770 PMCID: PMC6394938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The generation or persistence of sexual arousal may be compromised when inhibitory processes such as negative emotions, outweigh sexual excitation. Disgust particularly, has been proposed as one of the emotions that may counteract sexual arousal. In support of this view, previous research has shown that disgust priming can reduce subsequent sexual arousal. As a crucial next step, this experimental study tested whether disgust (by means of odor) can also diminish sexual arousal in individuals who are already in a state of heightened sexual excitation. Methodology In this study, participants were all men (N = 78). To elicit sexual arousal, participants watched a pornographic video. Following 4.30 minutes from the start of the video clip, they were exposed to either a highly aversive/disgusting odor (n = 42), or an odorless diluent/solvent (n = 36), that was delivered via an olfactometer, while the pornographic video continued. In both conditions the presentation of the odor lasted 1 second and was repeated 11 times with intervals of 26 seconds. Sexual arousal was indexed by both self-reports and penile circumference. Principal findings The disgusting odor (released when the participants were already sexually aroused) resulted in a significant decrease of both subjective and genital sexual arousal compared to the control (odorless) condition. Significance The finding that the inhibitory effect of disgust was not only expressed in self-report but also expressed on the penile response further strengthens the idea that disgust might hamper behavioral actions motivated by sexual arousal (e.g., poor judgment, coercive sexual behavior). Thus, the current findings indicate that exposure to an aversive odor is sufficiently potent to reduce already present (subjective and) genital sexual arousal. This finding may also have practical relevance for disgust to be used as a tool for self-defence (e.g., Invi Bracelet).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine Borg
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Tamara A. Oosterwijk
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dominika Lisy
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Boesveldt
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J. de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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112
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Maffei A, Angrilli A. Spontaneous blink rate as an index of attention and emotion during film clips viewing. Physiol Behav 2019; 204:256-263. [PMID: 30822434 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous blinking is a non-invasive indicator known to reflect dopaminergic influence over frontal cortex and attention allocation in perceptual tasks. 38 participants watched eighteen short film clips (2 min), designed to elicit specific affective states, and arranged in six different emotional categories, while their eye movements were recorded from the vertical electroculogram. The largest blink rate inhibition, reflecting greater attention allocation to the movie, was observed during the presentation of Erotic clips, excerpts on wilderness depicting beautiful landscapes (Scenery), as well as clips showing crying characters (Compassion). Instead, the minimum blink rate inhibition was found for Fear clips, which induced a defensive response with stimulus rejection. Blink rate across time evidenced how Compassion clips elicited early inhibition while Sadness clips induced a slower, later inhibition. Correlation analyses also revealed a negative correlation (r < -0.40) between total blink rate recorded during Erotic and Compassion clips and self-reported interest. Overall, the main variable explaining blink rate was emotional Valence. Results suggest that blink modulation is related with the motivational relevance and biological significance of the stimuli, tracking their differential recruitment of attentional resources. Furthermore, they provide a solid background for studying the emotion-attention patterns and their deficits also in clinical samples (e.g., neurological and psychiatric patients) using spontaneous blinking as a not-interfering psychophysiological measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Maffei
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Angrilli
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy; IN CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padova Section, Italy; PNC - Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy.
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113
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Oaten M, Stevenson RJ, Tapp C, Case TI, Cousins A. The Role of Disgust in Male Sexual Decision-Making. Front Psychol 2019; 9:2602. [PMID: 30723444 PMCID: PMC6350445 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual arousal is known to increase risky behaviors, such as having unprotected sex. This may in part relate to the emotion of disgust, which normally serves a disease avoidant function, and is suppressed by sexual arousal. In this report we examine disgust's role in sexual decision-making. Male participants received two study packets that were to be completed at home across two different time-points. Participants were asked to complete one packet in a sexually aroused state and the other in a non-aroused state. Participants were asked to rate: (1) arousal, (2) disgust, (3) willingness for sex, and (4) disease risk toward a range of female targets, which varied in level of potential disease risk (sex-worker vs. non sex-worker) and attractiveness. A measure of trait disgust was also included along with other related scales. Sexual arousal was associated with reduced disgust and reduced judgments of disease risk for all targets—these latter two variables being correlated—and with enhanced willingness to have sex with all of the depicted persons. Willingness to have sex when aroused (in contrast to non-aroused) was predicted by disease risk judgments and trait disgust, suggesting both direct (state) and indirect (trait) effects of disgust on sexual decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Oaten
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Caley Tapp
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Trevor I Case
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Allie Cousins
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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114
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Sierra JC, Álvarez-Muelas A, Arcos-Romero AI, Calvillo C, Torres-Obregón R, Granados R. Relación entre la excitación sexual subjetiva y la respuesta genital: diferencias entre hombres y mujeres. Rev Int Androl 2019; 17:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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115
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Snowden RJ, McKinnon A, Fitoussi J, Gray NS. Pupillary Responses to Static Images of Men and Women: A Possible Measure of Sexual Interest? JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2019; 56:74-84. [PMID: 29220579 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1394959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The pupil dilates to images that are arousing. In Experiment 1, we examined if the pupil's response to brief presentations (2,000 ms) of static images could be used to identify individuals' sexual orientation. Participants were grouped according to their self-reported gender and sexual orientation (male heterosexual, N = 20; male bisexual, N = 13; male homosexual, N = 19; female heterosexual, N = 28; female bisexual, N = 21; female homosexual, N = 17). Pupil size was monitored to images of men in seminude poses, women in seminude poses, or neutral images. Every group showed the same pattern of responses, with the greatest dilation to male images, then female images, and least dilation to the neutral images. Experiment 2 used more tightly controlled stimuli and tested at two different image durations (150 and 3,000 ms). Both heterosexual men (N = 18) and women (N = 20) showed greater pupil dilation to images of nude men than to nude women. However, in Experiment 3, where we reduced the erotic content by using images of clothed models, both heterosexual men and women showed greater pupil dilation to images of women. The results showed that while the pupil does dilate strongly to sexual imagery, its response to these brief static images does not correspond to a person's sexual orientation in a simple manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nicola S Gray
- c Department of Psychology, Swansea University; and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board
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116
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Vásquez-Amézquita M, Leongómez JD, Seto MC, Bonilla M, Rodríguez-Padilla A, Salvador A. Visual Attention Patterns Differ in Gynephilic and Androphilic Men and Women Depending on Age and Gender of Targets. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2019; 56:85-101. [PMID: 29028456 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1372353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Visual attention patterns measured with eye-tracking techniques provide indirect clues about sexual response. This study aimed to test the category specificity of sexual responses to stimuli varying in gender and age by evaluating both early and late attention of gynephilic and androphilic men and women. We simultaneously presented sexually preferred and nonpreferred stimuli and measured time to first fixation and total duration of fixation on four areas of interest: entire body, then face, chest, and pelvis. Androphilic women's early attention patterns were nonspecific, whereas gynephilic women and both groups of men showed a category-specific pattern for the entire body. In contrast, all groups showed gender-specific patterns of late attention for all areas of interest. We also found support for age specificity of early and late visual attention in all four groups, with greater attention to adult than child stimuli. This study supports the usefulness of a competing stimulus eye-tracking paradigm as a method to examine gender specificity in gynephilic women and androphilic and gynephilic men, and as a measure of age specificity in gynephilic and androphilic men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Vásquez-Amézquita
- a Faculty of Psychology , University El Bosque
- b Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology , IDOCAL, University of Valencia
| | | | | | | | | | - Alicia Salvador
- b Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology , IDOCAL, University of Valencia
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117
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Hannan-Leith MN, Dayan M, Hatfield G, Lalumière ML, Albert AY, Brotto LA. Is Pelvic Floor sEMG a Measure of Women's Sexual Response? J Sex Med 2018; 16:70-82. [PMID: 30522879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pelvic floor surface electromyography (sEMG) is often used in the assessment and treatment of individuals with pelvic floor abnormalities to measure muscle tone and neural control of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM); however, little is known about the role of the PFM in sexual arousal. AIM The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether changes in deep and superficial PFM activity-assessed with sEMG-can be observed during the presentation of sexual stimuli. METHODS Deep PFM sEMG activity was assessed with a vaginal probe. Superficial PFM activity was assessed with sEMG electrodes placed over the bulbocavernosus and perianal muscles. 15 sexually healthy women (mean age 27 years) watched a series of neutral, anxiety-evoking, and sexually explicit films. Continuous subjective sexual arousal was measured using a handheld arousometer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Changes in microvolts were measured by sEMG sensors, from neutral to anxiety-evoking and neutral to sexually explicit films. RESULTS There was an increase in intravaginal and perianal sEMG for both the erotic and anxiety films. Bulbocavernosus sEMG responses did not differ among the 3 films. Concordance between self-reported continuous sexual arousal for the erotic film and bulbocavernosus sEMG (r = 0.349) was not significantly different than concordance using intravaginal sEMG (r = 0.293) or perianal sEMG (r = 0.236). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Understanding more about which parts of the PFM respond specifically to sexual stimuli may have implications for measuring the effects of treatments aimed at improving sexual response in women. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS The results of this pilot study provide a preliminary understanding of which pelvic floor muscles respond to sexual stimuli. A limitation of this study was the small sample size. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings suggest that intravaginal and perianal sEMG respond to erotic stimuli, whereas bulbocavernosal sEMG responses do not. Hannan-Leith MN, Dayan M, Hatfield G, et al. Is Pelvic Floor Surface Electromyography a Measure of Women's Sexual Response? A Pilot Study. J Sex Med 2019;16:70-82.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline N Hannan-Leith
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Marcy Dayan
- Dayan Physiotherapy and Pelvic Floor Clinic, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gillian Hatfield
- Department of Kinesiology, University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Arianne Y Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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118
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Bossio JA, Singh M, Pukall CF. Concurrent Assessment of Penile Blood Flow and Circumference as Indicators of Male Sexual Arousal. J Sex Med 2018; 15:1570-1578. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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119
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Timmers AD, Dawson SJ, Chivers ML. The Effects of Gender and Relationship Context Cues on Responsive Sexual Desire in Exclusively and Predominantly Androphilic Women and Gynephilic Men. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:1167-1179. [PMID: 29677455 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2018.1456509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sexual desire may be "responsive," emerging from sexual arousal to sexually competent cues. Cues that elicit sexual arousal and desire differ, however, by gender and direction of sexual attractions. Further, relationship context cues are thought to be important for responsive desire, but this has not been tested directly. The current study examined gynephilic men's (n = 27) and exclusively (n = 23) and predominantly (n = 17) androphilic women's dyadic and solitary responsive sexual desire, as well as genital and self-reported arousal, to audio narratives varying by gender (male, female) of the sexual partner and relationship context (stranger, friend, long-term relationship). Consistent with previous literature, gynephilic men's solitary and dyadic desire were gender-specific (greater to female than to male sexual partners). Exclusively androphilic women's dyadic desire differentiated less to cues of gender than gynephilic men's, and their solitary desire did not differentiate by gender cues at all, replicating previous research. Androphilic women with some gynephilia reported a gender-nonspecific pattern of dyadic and solitary desire (i.e., responsive desire to both male and female narratives). No effect of relationship context was found for any groups. Results suggest that responsive sexual desire may be more closely associated with self-reported than genital arousal patterns.
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Bird ER, Seehuus M, Heiman JR, Davis KC, Norris J, George WH. Sexual vs. Nonsexual Currently Most Upsetting Trauma: A Fresh Look at Attenuation of Sexual Response, Alcohol Intoxication, and Post-Traumatic Stress. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:915-926. [PMID: 29023137 PMCID: PMC6195219 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1380159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the dependence of sexual response (vaginal pulse amplitude [VPA] and subjective sexual arousal) on alcohol intoxication (.10% breath alcohol concentration [BrAC] versus no alcohol) and the nature of a woman's currently most upsetting traumatic event (C-MUTE), whether it was sexual (e.g., rape) or nonsexual (e.g., combat). Self-reported sexual outcomes were also compared by C-MUTE type. A total of 117 women completed background measures and either drank alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages. They were shown erotic films and their VPA was assessed. A two (sexual versus nonsexual C-MUTE) by two (.10% BrAC versus no alcohol) analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that, controlling for post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, women with a sexual C-MUTE showed lower percent VPA change than women with a nonsexual C-MUTE. No significant effects were found for subjective sexual arousal. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that women with a sexual C-MUTE reported more frequent anxiety and inhibition during partnered sex and more frequent lack of vaginal lubrication versus women with a nonsexual C-MUTE. There was no significant interaction between C-MUTE and alcohol intoxication. Whether a woman is currently upset by past sexual victimization may influence current sexual difficulties. Attenuated VPA may be attributable to the sexual nature of a C-MUTE as opposed to general trauma exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia R Heiman
- c Psychological and Brain Sciences , Indiana University
- d The Kinsey Institute , Indiana University
| | | | - Jeanette Norris
- f Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute , University of Washington
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121
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Chadwick SB, Raisanen JC, Goldey KL, van Anders S. Strategizing to Make Pornography Worthwhile: A Qualitative Exploration of Women's Agentic Engagement with Sexual Media. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:1853-1868. [PMID: 29497916 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Women often expect to encounter negative, problematic content when they consume pornography, yet many women use and enjoy pornography anyway. Some research has centered content type (e.g., sexist/violent vs. nonsexist/women-focused) as a key determinant of women's pornography experiences, but this precludes the notion that women are active, engaged consumers of pornography and minimizes women's role in shaping their own experiences. In the present study, we explored how a sample of sexually diverse women in the U.S. (aged 18-64; N = 73) worked toward positive experiences with pornography via active negotiation with negative content, using a secondary analysis of focus group data on women's sexual pleasure. We found that, although women often experienced pornography as risky, many women used it anyway and actively employed strategies to increase the likelihood of having a positive experience. Women's strategies were similar across sexual identity and age groups, but the heteronormative, youth-oriented portrayals of sexuality in mainstream pornography presented unique concerns for heterosexual, queer, and older women. Results have implications for how women can be conceptualized as active, rather than passive, consumers of pornography as well as for how women's agency might influence women's arousal responses to sexually explicit stimuli in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Chadwick
- Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica C Raisanen
- Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L Goldey
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Edward's University, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sari van Anders
- Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, Program in Neuroscience, Science, Technology, and Society Program, Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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122
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Finke JB, Behrje A, Schächinger H. Acute stress enhances pupillary responses to erotic nudes: Evidence for differential effects of sympathetic activation and cortisol. Biol Psychol 2018; 137:73-82. [PMID: 30025747 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress attenuates reproductive behavior in many species, but evidence regarding the impact of acute stress on human sexual arousability is insufficient. Stressor-specific effects might result from divergent roles of both stress response systems. Social self-threat, linked to affiliation-oriented coping, might also influence sexual responsivity. To investigate stress-induced modulation of the processing of sexual cues and its relationship with cortisol, 58 participants underwent either a predominantly sympathetic stressor (3 min sustained handgrip) or similar control procedure. In both conditions, half of the sample was monitored by an opposite-sex person (social evaluation). Pupillary responses to erotic nudes were recorded and dissociated into fast and slow PCA components. Physically stressed participants showed enhanced (slow) dilation to explicit pictures. Cortisol levels after stress negatively predicted rapid responses to opposite-sex and (marginally) explicit stimuli. Our results suggest that acute sympathetic stress exposure facilitates cognitive sexual processing, whereas subsequent HPA-axis activation may induce counteracting effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes B Finke
- Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany.
| | - Andreas Behrje
- Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schächinger
- Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
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123
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Suschinsky KD, Chivers ML. The Relationship Between Sexual Concordance and Orgasm Consistency in Women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:704-718. [PMID: 29419318 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2018.1426713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sexual concordance (the relationship between genital and self-reported sexual responses) may be associated with orgasm consistency (OC; the proportion of sexual acts leading to orgasm) during penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) in women. We investigated the relationship between women's sexual concordance (assessed using different stimulus modalities and self-reported sexual arousal methods) and OC during various sexual activities (assessed using different types of questions). For Study 1 (n = 51), when sexual concordance was assessed using audiovisual sexual stimuli, we did not find a statistically significant relationship between OC and poststimulus self-reports of sexual arousal or genital sensations, raw values of OC, or ranges of OC. For Study 2 (n = 44), where sexual concordance was assessed using audionarrative sexual stimuli, we did find a statistically significant relationship between PVI OC and sexual concordance using change in self-reported sexual arousal, and ranges of orgasm consistency. Two findings were inconsistent with previous research. First, OC varied significantly by activity type in both studies; masturbation yielded the highest OC. Second, PVI OC was significantly related to oral sex and masturbation OC (Study 2). We discuss the need for further research and various factors that may affect women's orgasm consistency and sexual concordance.
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124
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Velten J, Margraf J, Chivers ML, Brotto LA. Effects of a Mindfulness Task on Women's Sexual Response. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:747-757. [PMID: 29261339 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1408768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions are effective at improving symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women. The mechanisms by which mindfulness improves sexual function are less clear. The main objective of our study was to investigate the impact of a mindfulness task on sexual response in women. Forty-one women (mean age = 27.2, SD = 5.6) participated in two laboratory sessions that each included two erotic films and one attention task that were presented in counterbalanced order. Both attention tasks consisted of a six-minute audio recording of either a modified body scan, focusing on genital arousal sensations (mindfulness condition), or a visualization exercise. Subjective and genital sexual arousal were measured continuously during stimulus presentation. The mindfulness task led to greater subjective and lower genital arousal. The agreement of subjective and genital sexual arousal (i.e., concordance) was greater in the mindfulness condition. Trait mindfulness was related to lower sexual arousal but also greater sexual concordance in women. Mindfulness-based interventions that encourage women to focus on physical arousal sensations in the here and now may be associated with women's improved sexual function by enhancing feelings of sexual arousal during sexual activity and by increasing concordance between subjective and genital sexual arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velten
- a Mental Health Research and Treatment Center , Ruhr-Universität Bochum
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- a Mental Health Research and Treatment Center , Ruhr-Universität Bochum
| | | | - Lori A Brotto
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University of British Columbia
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125
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Desynchrony Between Subjective and Genital Sexual Arousal in Women: Theoretically Interesting but Clinically Irrelevant. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-018-0155-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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126
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Dawson SJ, Chivers ML. The effect of static versus dynamic stimuli on visual processing of sexual cues in androphilic women and gynephilic men. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:172286. [PMID: 30110446 PMCID: PMC6030282 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.172286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Models of sexual response posit that attentional processing of sexual cues is requisite for sexual responding. Despite hypothesized similarities in the underlying processes resulting in sexual response, gender differences in sexual arousal patterns are abundant. One such gender difference relates to the stimulus features (e.g. gender cues, sexual activity cues) that elicit a response in men and women. In this study, we examined how stimulus modality (static visual images versus dynamic audiovisual films) and stimulus features (gender, sexual activity and nonsexual contextual cues) influences attentional (i.e. gaze) and elaborative (i.e. self-reported attraction (SRA), self-reported arousal) processing of sexual stimuli. Men's initial and controlled attention was consistently gender-specific (i.e. greater attention towards female targets), and this was not influenced by stimulus modality or the presence of sexual activity cues. By contrast, gender-specificity of women's attention patterns differed as a function of attentional stage, stimulus modality and the features within the stimulus. Degree of specificity was positively predictive of SRA in both genders; however, it was not significantly predictive of self-reported arousal. These findings are discussed in the context of gendered processing of visual sexual information, including a discussion of implications for research designs.
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127
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Handy AB, Meston CM. Interoception and Awareness of Physiological Sexual Arousal in Women With Sexual Arousal Concerns. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2018; 44:398-409. [PMID: 29166215 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2017.1405305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory studies assessing physiological genital arousal have largely failed to find differences between women with and without female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). Therefore, it is possible that women with FSAD may be unaware of their genital arousal response. The present study examined the extent to which women with FSAD can report their genital arousal response, as well as the role of interoception (body awareness) in this relationship. Additionally, this study examined the influence of interoception on the relationship between subjective and genital arousal. Twenty-six women who met criteria for FSAD (M age = 29.5, SD = 8.1 years) watched an erotic film and completed a series of questionnaires. Physiological (i.e., genital) and perceived genital arousal were measured continuously throughout the film. Results indicated women were able to perceive their level of physiological arousal. Greater levels of interoception were linked with stronger relationships between perceived and physiological arousal, but not between subjective and genital arousal. Methodological and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel B Handy
- a Department of Psychology , University of Texas at Austin , Austin , TX, USA
| | - Cindy M Meston
- a Department of Psychology , University of Texas at Austin , Austin , TX, USA
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128
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Genital lubrication: A cue-specific sexual response? Biol Psychol 2018; 134:103-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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129
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Meston CM, Stanton AM. Comprehensive Assessment of Women's Sexual Arousal Requires Both Objective and Subjective Measurement. J Sex Med 2018; 15:423-425. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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130
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Velten J, Chivers ML, Brotto LA. Does Repeated Testing Impact Concordance Between Genital and Self-Reported Sexual Arousal in Women? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:651-660. [PMID: 28929390 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-1076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Women show a substantial variability in their genital and subjective responses to sexual stimuli. The level of agreement between these two aspects of response is termed sexual concordance and has been increasingly investigated because of its implications for understanding models of sexual response and as a potential endpoint in clinical trials of treatments to improve women's sexual dysfunction. However, interpreting changes in sexual concordance may be problematic because, to date, it still is unclear how repeated testing itself influences sexual concordance in women. We are aware of only one study that evaluated temporal stability of concordance in women, and it found no evidence of stability. However, time stability would be necessary for arguing that concordance is a stable individual difference. The main goal of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of sexual concordance in a sample of 30 women with sexual difficulties. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we found that sexual concordance was not influenced by repeated testing 12 weeks later, but showed test-retest reliability suggesting temporal stability. Our findings support the hypothesis that sexual concordance is a relatively stable individual difference and that changes in sexual concordance after treatment or experimental conditions could, therefore, be attributed to effects of those conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, 6th Floor DHCC, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
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131
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Handy AB, Stanton AM, Meston CM. Understanding Women's Subjective Sexual Arousal Within the Laboratory: Definition, Measurement, and Manipulation. Sex Med Rev 2018; 6:201-216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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132
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Stephens S, Seto MC, Goodwill AM, Cantor JM. Age Diversity Among Victims of Hebephilic Sexual Offenders. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2018; 30:322-339. [PMID: 27566153 DOI: 10.1177/1079063216665837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Hebephilia refers to sexual interest in pubescent children who are beginning to show early signs of sexual development but are sexually immature. The present study examined the relationship between hebephilia and victim age choice in a sample of 2,238 adult male sexual offenders. On average, offenders were 39 years old at the time of their assessments, and approximately half (48%) were referred by probation or parole offices. Assessment data included self-report, sexual arousal measured by volumetric phallometry, and victims' ages. Results suggested that, similar to pedophilia, hebephilia had a medium sized association with a greater number of victims under age 11 and a small sized association with a greater number of victims ages 11 to 14. Unlike pedophilia, a small positive association was consistently found between hebephilia and a greater number of victims ages 15 or 16. Furthermore, a small positive association was observed between victim age polymorphism and hebephilia and pedophilia. The present results suggested that hebephilia was associated with a greater number of victims age 14 or younger and had similar victim age correlates to pedophiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Stephens
- 1 Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michael C Seto
- 2 Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, Brockville, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - James M Cantor
- 4 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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133
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Timmers AD, Chivers ML. Gynephilic Men's Self-Reported and Genital Sexual Responses to Relationship Context Cues. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:617-625. [PMID: 29058099 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-1094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined men's sexual responses to relationship context. Chivers and Timmers (2012) previously reported that heterosexual men's genital and self-reported sexual arousal varied by gender but not relationship context, suggesting that gender cues are more salient determinants of sexual response than relationship context cues for men. Those analyses were, however, significantly underpowered to detect relationship context effects (n = 9). The current study utilized the same paradigm as Chivers and Timmers' study, exposing a larger sample of heterosexual men (n = 26) to audio narratives describing sexual interactions that varied by partner gender (man, woman) and relationship context (stranger, friend, long-term relationship), and observing effects on genital and self-reported sexual response. Results indicated that men's genital response to relationship context cues mirrored those previously reported for heterosexual women (Chivers & Timmers, 2012); heterosexual men demonstrated less genital response to the friend than to the stranger or long-term relationship conditions. No significant effect of relationship context was found for men's self-reported sexual arousal. These data suggest that, in addition to gender cues, relationship cues may also be an important determinant of men's genital sexual responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Timmers
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Meredith L Chivers
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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134
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Landgraf S, von Treskow I, Osterheider M. "Sex in a Relationship" versus "Sex During a One-Night Stand": The Link Between Mental Representations of Consensual Sexuality, Mating Strategies, and Sexual Experience in Heterosexual Women and Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:725-736. [PMID: 29027042 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-1088-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Sexual scripts, that is, the mental representations of sexual behavior, are highly influenced by mating strategies and sexual experience. The relationship between these factors and sexual scripts is, however, poorly understood. Therefore, we assessed how long-term (e.g., "sex in a relationship") and short-term (e.g., "one-night stand") strategies, as well as experience with highly scripted sexual practices (BDSM: bondage-discipline, dominance-submission, sadism-masochism), influence verbalized sexual script composition and detailedness. To this end, 204 heterosexual men and women generated both a "sex in a relationship" and a "one-night stand" script. Regarding mating strategies, both men and women generated shorter "sex in a relationship" scripts than "one-night stand" scripts, due to a shorter approach (flirting) phase. In addition, in the "sex in a relationship" script, women generated longer foreplay phases than men. Regarding sexual experience, in the "sex in a relationship" script, individuals with high-BDSM experience generated longer foreplay phases than individuals with middle- or low-BDSM experience. This pattern was reversed in the "one-night stand" script. These results provide empirical support for interactions between mating strategies and individual experience with regard to the mental representations of sexual activity and gender behavior. Understanding this relationship may enable us to better predict sexual encounters and may help to prevent conflicting or abusive situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Landgraf
- Clinic for Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, District Hospital Regensburg, Medizinische Einrichtungen des Bezirks Oberpfalz, Universitätsstr. 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
- Faculty of Law, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Isabella von Treskow
- Faculty for Linguistics, Literature, and Cultural Science, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Osterheider
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, District Hospital of Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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135
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Kingsberg SA, Althof S, Simon JA, Bradford A, Bitzer J, Carvalho J, Flynn KE, Nappi RE, Reese JB, Rezaee RL, Schover L, Shifrin JL. Female Sexual Dysfunction-Medical and Psychological Treatments, Committee 14. J Sex Med 2018; 14:1463-1491. [PMID: 29198504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the millennium we have witnessed significant strides in the science and treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). This forward progress has included (i) the development of new theoretical models to describe healthy and dysfunctional sexual responses in women; (ii) alternative classification strategies of female sexual disorders; (iii) major advances in brain, hormonal, psychological, and interpersonal research focusing on etiologic factors and treatment approaches; (iv) strong and effective public advocacy for FSD; and (v) greater educational awareness of the impact of FSD on the woman and her partner. AIMS To review the literature and describe the best practices for assessing and treating women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, and female orgasmic disorders. METHODS The committee undertook a comprehensive review of the literature and discussion among themselves to determine the best assessment and treatment methods. RESULTS Using a biopsychosocial lens, the committee presents recommendations (with levels of evidence) for assessment and treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, and female orgasmic disorders. CONCLUSION The numerous significant strides in FSD that have occurred since the previous International Consultation of Sexual Medicine publications are reviewed in this article. Although evidence supports an integrated biopsychosocial approach to assessment and treatment of these disorders, the biological and psychological factors are artificially separated for review purposes. We recognize that best outcomes are achieved when all relevant factors are identified and addressed by the clinician and patient working together in concert (the sum is greater than the whole of its parts). Kingsberg SA, Althof S, Simon JA, et al. Female Sexual Dysfunction-Medical and Psychological Treatments, Committee 14. J Sex Med 2017;14:1463-1491.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanley Althof
- Case Western Reserve University Medical School, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - James A Simon
- George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roya L Rezaee
- Case Western Reserve University Medical School, Cleveland, OH, USA
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136
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Safron A, Klimaj V, Sylva D, Rosenthal AM, Li M, Walter M, Bailey JM. Neural Correlates of Sexual Orientation in Heterosexual, Bisexual, and Homosexual Women. Sci Rep 2018; 8:673. [PMID: 29330483 PMCID: PMC5766543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18372-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We used fMRI to investigate neural correlates of responses to erotic pictures and videos in heterosexual (N = 26), bisexual (N = 26), and homosexual (N = 24) women, ages 25–50. We focused on the ventral striatum, an area of the brain associated with desire, extending previous findings from the sexual psychophysiology literature in which homosexual women had greater category specificity (relative to heterosexual and bisexual women) in their responses to male and female erotic stimuli. We found that homosexual women’s subjective and neural responses reflected greater bias towards female stimuli, compared with bisexual and heterosexual women, whose responses did not significantly differ. These patterns were also suggested by whole brain analyses, with homosexual women showing category-specific activations of greater extents in visual and auditory processing areas. Bisexual women tended to show more mixed patterns, with activations more responsive to female stimuli in sensory processing areas, and activations more responsive to male stimuli in areas associated with social cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Safron
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
| | - Victoria Klimaj
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - David Sylva
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California, USA
| | - A M Rosenthal
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Eberhard Karls University, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Eberhard Karls University, Tubingen, Germany
| | - J Michael Bailey
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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137
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How Hot Are They? Neural Correlates of Genital Arousal: An Infrared Thermographic and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Sexual Arousal in Men and Women. J Sex Med 2018; 15:217-229. [PMID: 29310889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The few studies that have examined the neural correlates of genital arousal have focused on men and are methodologically hard to compare. AIM To investigate the neural correlates of peripheral physiologic sexual arousal using identical methodology for men and women. METHODS 2 groups (20 men, 20 women) viewed movie clips (erotic, humor) while genital temperature was continuously measured using infrared thermal imaging. Participants also continuously evaluated changes in their subjective arousal and answered discrete questions about liking the movies and wanting sexual stimulation. Brain activity, indicated by blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response, was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. OUTCOMES BOLD responses, genital temperature, and subjective sexual arousal. RESULTS BOLD activity in a number of brain regions was correlated with changes in genital temperature in men and women; however, activation in women appeared to be more extensive than in men, including the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, right cerebellum, insula, frontal operculum, and paracingulate gyrus. Examination of the strength of the correlation between BOLD response and genital temperature showed that women had a stronger brain-genital relation compared with men in a number of regions. There were no brain regions in men with stronger brain-genital correlations than in women. CLINICAL TRANSLATION Our findings shed light on the neurophysiologic processes involved in genital arousal for men and women. Further research examining the specific brain regions that mediate our findings is necessary to pave the way for clinical application. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS A strength of the study is the use of thermography, which allows for a direct comparison of the neural correlates of genital arousal in men and women. This study has the common limitations of most laboratory-based sexual arousal research, including sampling bias, lack of ecologic validity, and equipment limitations, and those common to neuroimaging research, including BOLD signal interpretation and neuroimaging analysis issues. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide direct sex comparisons of the neural correlates of genital arousal in men and women and suggest that brain-genital correlations could be stronger in women. Parada M, Gérard M, Larcher K, et al. How Hot Are They? Neural Correlates of Genital Arousal: An Infrared Thermographic and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Sexual Arousal in Men and Women. J Sex Med 2018;15:217-229.
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One Session of Autogenic Training Increases Acute Subjective Sexual Arousal in Premenopausal Women Reporting Sexual Arousal Problems. J Sex Med 2018; 15:64-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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139
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Vásquez-Amézquita M, Leongómez JD, Seto MC, Bonilla FM, Rodríguez-Padilla A, Salvador A. No relation between digit ratio (2D:4D) and visual attention patterns to sexually preferred and non-preferred stimuli. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ponseti J, Dähnke K, Fischermeier L, Gerwinn H, Kluth A, Müller J, Vogel S, Stirn A. Sexual Responses Are Facilitated by High-Order Contextual Cues in Females but Not in Males. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 16:1474704918761103. [PMID: 29566568 PMCID: PMC10481071 DOI: 10.1177/1474704918761103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual responses are thought to be controlled by a brain module called the sexual module. Sexual strategies of males and females vary to a great extent, and sexual responses of males and females may be affected by their sexual strategies. However, the current view of the sexual module is that of a unisex module. This might be questionable since brain modules are defined as evolved cognitive mechanisms to solve adaptive problems which are different for males and females. We hypothesize that the sexual module responds differently in the presence of complex (high-order) contextual cues that are related to gender-dimorphic sexual strategies in males and females. We conducted a priming experiment in which stimuli related to sexual strategies were disentangled from their sexual meaning. Nonsexual priming pictures related to either economic resources or social interactions preceded a sexual-target picture in order to test whether the primes were able to modulate the subjective sexual response to the sexual target. In a control condition, priming pictures without relation to mating preferences but with similar emotional impact were presented. In males, sexual responses were similar in the experimental and control conditions. In females, however, primes related to economic resources or social interactions modulated sexual arousal significantly more than the control primes. Our findings suggest that brain modules dedicated to process the experimental primes were functionally connected with the sexual module in females more than in males, making females' sexual responses more prone to the impact of high-order cultural cues than males' sexual responses. A gender-dimorphic connectivity of the sexual module may be the way in which gender-dimorphic sexual strategies are implemented in the human mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ponseti
- Medical School, Institute of Sexual Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Kim Dähnke
- Medical School, Institute of Sexual Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Leona Fischermeier
- Medical School, Institute of Sexual Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hannah Gerwinn
- Medical School, Institute of Sexual Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Amelie Kluth
- Medical School, Institute of Sexual Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jens Müller
- Medical School, Institute of Sexual Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Vogel
- Medical School, Institute of Sexual Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Aglaja Stirn
- Medical School, Institute of Sexual Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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141
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Basson R, Gilks T. Women's sexual dysfunction associated with psychiatric disorders and their treatment. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 14:1745506518762664. [PMID: 29649948 PMCID: PMC5900810 DOI: 10.1177/1745506518762664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Impairment of mental health is the most important risk factor for female sexual dysfunction. Women living with psychiatric illness, despite their frequent sexual difficulties, consider sexuality to be an important aspect of their quality of life. Antidepressant and antipsychotic medication, the neurobiology and symptoms of the illness, past trauma, difficulties in establishing relationships and stigmatization can all contribute to sexual dysfunction. Low sexual desire is strongly linked to depression. Lack of subjective arousal and pleasure are linked to trait anxiety: the sensations of physical sexual arousal may lead to fear rather than to pleasure. The most common type of sexual pain is 10 times more common in women with previous diagnoses of anxiety disorder. Clinicians often do not routinely inquire about their patients' sexual concerns, particularly in the context of psychotic illness but careful assessment, diagnosis and explanation of their situation is necessary and in keeping with patients' wishes. Evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are available but poorly researched in the context of psychotic illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thea Gilks
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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142
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Hald GM, Stulhofer A, Lange T. Sexual Arousal and Sexually Explicit Media (SEM): Comparing Patterns of Sexual Arousal to SEM and Sexual Self-Evaluations and Satisfaction Across Gender and Sexual Orientation. Sex Med 2017; 6:30-38. [PMID: 29291985 PMCID: PMC5815968 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Investigations of patterns of sexual arousal to certain groups of sexually explicit media (SEM) in the general population in non-laboratory settings are rare. Such knowledge could be important to understand more about the relative specificity of sexual arousal in different SEM users. Aims (i) To investigate whether sexual arousal to non-mainstream vs mainstream SEM contents could be categorized across gender and sexual orientation, (ii) to compare levels of SEM-induced sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, and self-evaluated sexual interests and fantasies between non-mainstream and mainstream SEM groups, and (iii) to explore the validity and predictive accuracy of the Non-Mainstream Pornography Arousal Scale (NPAS). Methods Online cross-sectional survey of 2,035 regular SEM users in Croatia. Main Outcomes Measures Patterns of sexual arousal to 27 different SEM themes, sexual satisfaction, and self-evaluations of sexual interests and sexual fantasies. Results Groups characterized by sexual arousal to non-mainstream SEM could be identified across gender and sexual orientation. These non-mainstream SEM groups reported more SEM use and higher average levels of sexual arousal across the 27 SEM themes assessed compared with mainstream SEM groups. Only few differences were found between non-mainstream and mainstream SEM groups in self-evaluative judgements of sexual interests, sexual fantasies, and sexual satisfaction. The internal validity and predictive accuracy of the NPAS was good across most user groups investigated. Conclusions The findings suggest that in classified non-mainstream SEM groups, patterns of sexual arousal might be less fixated and category specific than previously assumed. Further, these groups are not more judgmental of their SEM-related sexual arousal patterns than groups characterized by patterns of sexual arousal to more mainstream SEM content. Moreover, accurate identification of non-mainstream SEM group membership is generally possible across gender and sexual orientation using the NPAS. Hald GM, Stulhofer A, Lange T, et al. Sexual Arousal and Sexually Explicit Media (SEM): Comparing Patterns of Sexual Arousal to SEM and Sexual Self-Evaluations and Satisfaction Across Gender and Sexual Orientation. Sex Med 2018;6:30–38.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert Martin Hald
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Aleksandar Stulhofer
- Sexology Unit, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Theis Lange
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wan C, Lalumière ML. Can music cue sexual arousal? THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.2017-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The preparation hypothesis posits that women's genital responses (vasocongestion and lubrication) occur automatically in the presence of any sexual stimulus to prevent injuries from sexual activities. It follows that women's genital responses should be easily conditioned to non-sexual cues that reliably predict impending sexual activities. It has been difficult, however, to demonstrate classical conditioning of genital responses in women in the laboratory. In the current study, we used music as an auditory conditioned stimulus (CS) and vignette narrations of consensual sex, non-consensual sex, and neutral (nonsexual) interactions as unconditioned stimuli (US). Eighteen women (range=18–27 years, M=21.9 years, SD=2.2 years,) and 18 men (range=19–29 years, M=22.8 years, SD=2.8 years) were exposed to three neutrally-rated classical music pieces, each paired with a different type of vignette. Participants were exposed to 3 pre-acquisition trials, 12 acquisition trials, and a minimum of 9 extinction trials. After each trial, participants were asked to rate the CS (or the US in CS-US pairings) on pleasantness, anxiousness, and perceived sexual arousal. Vaginal photoplethysmography and penile plethysmography were used to assess changes in genital responses. The sexual vignettes produced genital responses and the nonsexual vignettes did not. We did not observe conditioning of genital responses to music in either sex, but did so for men's and women's feelings of sexual arousal toward songs paired with a consensual sex story. The results were not consistent with the preparation hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Wan
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
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Attard-Johnson J, Bindemann M, Ó Ciardha C. Heterosexual, Homosexual, and Bisexual Men's Pupillary Responses to Persons at Different Stages of Sexual Development. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2017; 54:1085-1096. [PMID: 27925771 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2016.1241857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether pupil size during the viewing of images of adults and children reflects the sexual orientation of heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual men (n = 100, Mage = 22). More specifically, we explored whether this measure corresponds with sexual age preferences for adults over children in nonpedophilic men. In general, results across three experiments, in which observers freely viewed or rated the sexual appeal of person images, suggest that pupil dilation to sexual stimuli is an indicator of sexual orientation toward adults. Heterosexual men's pupils dilated most strongly to adults of the other sex, homosexual men dilated most strongly to adults of the same sex, and bisexual men showed an intermediate pattern. Dilation to adults was substantially stronger than dilation to younger age groups. Sexual appeal ratings for images of adults and children also correlated with pupil responses, suggesting a direct link between pupil dilation and sexual interest. These findings provide support for pupil dilation as a measure of sex- and age-specific sexual preferences.
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146
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Bijlsma-Rutte A, Braamse AMJ, van Oppen P, Snoek FJ, Enzlin P, Leusink P, Nijpels G, Elders PJM. Screening for sexual dissatisfaction among people with type 2 diabetes in primary care. J Diabetes Complications 2017; 31:1614-1619. [PMID: 28911977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The identification and discussion of sexual care needs in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care is currently insufficient. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of sexual dissatisfaction, sexual problems and need for help by using a screening instrument among people with T2DM in primary care. METHODS Data were collected in 45 general practices in the Netherlands from January 2015 to February 2016. The Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist (BSSC) was used to screen among 40-75 year old men and women. RESULTS In total, 786 people with T2DM (66.5% men) were screened. The prevalence of sexual dissatisfaction was 36.6%, significantly higher among men than among women (41.1% vs. 27.8%). Sexually dissatisfied men most often reported erectile dysfunction (71.6%); for sexually dissatisfied women, low sexual desire (52.8%) and lubrication problems (45.8%) were most common. More than half of all dissatisfied people had a need for care (61.8%), significantly more men than women (66.8% vs. 47.2%). CONCLUSIONS One third of people with T2DM is sexually dissatisfied and more than half of these people report a need for help. The BSSC could be used a tool to proactively identify sexually dissatisfied people in primary care.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy
- Female
- General Practice
- Humans
- Male
- Mass Screening
- Middle Aged
- Needs Assessment
- Netherlands/epidemiology
- Orgasm
- Patient Acceptance of Health Care
- Prevalence
- Primary Health Care
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Self Report
- Sex Factors
- Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/complications
- Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/diagnosis
- Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/epidemiology
- Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/physiopathology
- Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/complications
- Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/diagnosis
- Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/epidemiology
- Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/psychology
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bijlsma-Rutte
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Annemarie M J Braamse
- Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Postbus 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia van Oppen
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, A.J. Ernststraat 1187, 1081 HL Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Snoek
- Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Postbus 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Enzlin
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, bus 5500, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Clinical Sexology and Sex Therapy, UPC KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Leusink
- Department of Sexology, Groene Hart Hospital, Bleulandweg 10, 2803 HH Gouda, The Netherlands
| | - Giel Nijpels
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petra J M Elders
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Bouchard KN, Chivers ML, Pukall CF. Effects of Genital Response Measurement Device and Stimulus Characteristics on Sexual Concordance in Women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2017; 54:1197-1208. [PMID: 28059556 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2016.1265641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Investigations of sexual concordance suggest that, on average, women exhibit a low, positive correlation between their subjective sexual arousal and genital response. However, this relationship appears to be stronger, on average, when genital response is measured via the external tissues of the vulva than within the vagina walls. Given the methodological variations, such as stimulus content and duration, in studies of vulvar and vaginal concordance, direct comparisons between individual studies are limited. In the current study, sexual concordance was examined using concurrent measures of vulvar blood flow (using laser Doppler imaging) and vaginal vasocongestion (using vaginal photoplethysmography) to investigate potential differences in vulvar and vaginal concordance. Twenty-five women viewed two erotic films that differed in sexual activity content (foreplay and intercourse) while their subjective sexual arousal and genital response was measured. In support of previous meta-analytic findings, results suggest that subjective sexual arousal is more strongly correlated with vulvar blood flow than with vaginal vasocongestion. Likewise, perceived genital response and actual vulvar blood flow are more strongly related than are vaginal vasocongestion and self-reported genital sensations. Practical implications for the study of women's sexual concordance as well as broader implications for the understanding of female sexuality are considered.
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Carvalho J, Pereira R, Barreto D, Nobre PJ. The Effects of Positive Versus Negative Mood States on Attentional Processes During Exposure to Erotica. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:2495-2504. [PMID: 27734171 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0875-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between emotions and sexual functioning has been documented since early sex research. Among other effects, emotions are expected to impact sexual response by shaping individuals' attention to sexual cues; yet, this assumption has not been tested. This study aimed to investigate whether attentional processes to sexual cues are impacted by state emotions, and whether the processes impacted by emotions relate to subjective sexual arousal to a sex film clip. A total of 52 men and 73 women were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: (1) a negative mood induction condition (sadness as dominant emotion), (2) a positive mood induction condition (amusement as dominant emotion), and a (3) neutral/control condition. After mood induction, participants were exposed to a sex film clip while their focus of visual attention was measured using an eye tracker. Three areas of interest (AOI) were considered within the sex clip: background (non-sexual cues), body interaction, and genital interaction. Self-reported attention, thoughts during the sex clip, percent dwell time, and pupil size to AOI were considered as attentional markers. Findings revealed that the attentional processes were not impacted by the mood conditions. Instead, gender effects were found. While men increased their visual attention to the background area of the film clip, women increased attention to the genital area. Also, sexual arousal thoughts during exposure to the sex clip were consistently related to subjective sexual arousal regardless of the momentary emotional state. Findings add to the literature by showing that men and women process the sexual components of a stimulus differently and by challenging the assumption that emotions shape attention to sexual cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Carvalho
- School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal.
| | - Raquel Pereira
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Diana Barreto
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Nobre
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal
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Interoception and sexual response in women with low sexual desire. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185979. [PMID: 29020067 PMCID: PMC5636106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual concordance is defined as the association between genital response and self-reported sexual arousal. Though one might predict a strong association between sexual concordance and awareness of other internal physiological sensations (termed interoception), past research on sexually healthy women has not found these different domains to be related. The aim of the present study was to test the association between interoception and sexual concordance in a clinical sample of women with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD). Fifty-two women with SIAD completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), a validated self-report measure of interoception, and completed a heart-beat accuracy test, an objective measure of interoception. They also participated in a laboratory-based assessment of physiological sexual arousal and self-reported sexual arousal while viewing an erotic film. Mental and physiological arousal were correlated at r = 0.27 (range -0.80 to 0.95). There was no significant association between sexual concordance and women's heartrate awareness. However, five aspects of interoceptive awareness (noticing, emotional awareness, self-regulation, body-listening, and trusting), were predictive of lower, and one aspect (not-distracting) was predictive of higher sexual concordance. We discuss the findings in relation to the role of emotions and arousal states in the interoception-sexual concordance relationship.
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150
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How Do Psychological Risk Factors Predict Sexual Outcomes? A Comparison of Four Models of Young Women’s Sexual Outcomes. J Sex Med 2017; 14:1232-1240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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