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Nimbi FM, Galizia R, Ciocca G, Zimic AB, Jannini EA, Simonelli C, Tambelli R. Sexual desire and erotic fantasies questionnaire: development and validation of the sexual desire scale (SDEF1). Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-024-00942-2. [PMID: 38926631 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00942-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The evolution in conceptualization of sexual desire has stimulated many attempts to measure it. However measures able to assess multiple expressions of desire in all sexual identities are still lacking. The main aim of the present study was to test the psychometric properties of the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire - Part 1 Sexual Desire (SDEF1), developed as a sex-positive measure of different sexual desire expressions. The SDEF1 was assessed in 1773 participants from the Italian general population (1105 women, 645 men, and 23 other genders; ranged between 18-78 years old, mean age 29.31 ± 10.35) on an online survey, together with the Sexual Desire Inventory - 2, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale-Short Form. Results support a factorial structure of six dimensions, including 28 items and accounting for 58.11% of the total variance: sexual desire, negative feelings to sexual desire, autoerotic desire, regular partner desire, attractive person desire, and responsive desire. The confirmatory factorial analysis showed satisfactory indexes (RMSEA = 0.042 [90% CI = 0.039-0.045]; GFI = 0.97; NFI = .96; and CFI = 0.97). Regression coefficients ranged from 0.39 to 0.94 and were all statistically significant (p < 0.001). The SDEF1 showed good psychometric properties such as internal reliability, construct, and discriminant validity, and to differentiate women and men with and without sexual difficulties. Men reported significantly higher levels of desire than women in all areas except for desire for a regular partner, were no gender difference was detected. Desire for autoerotic activity was the factor accounting for more variance explained among genders (11.7%). The SDEF1 could be a useful measure to assess different areas of sexual desire and its use could be recommended for clinical and research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Nimbi
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberta Galizia
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aleša Bratina Zimic
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Simonelli
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Nimbi FM, Appia C, Tanzilli A, Giovanardi G, Lingiardi V. Deepening Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies Research in the ACE Spectrum: Comparing the Experiences of Asexual, Demisexual, Gray-Asexual, and Questioning People. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1031-1045. [PMID: 38212438 PMCID: PMC10920473 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02784-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the past 30 years, an increasing number of people have identified within the asexual (ACE) spectrum recognizing an absence/low/situational sexual attraction to individuals of any gender. The current study aims to deepen the knowledge of sexual desire, erotic fantasies, and related emotions within the ACE spectrum. A total of 1072 Italian volunteers were recruited to take part to the present study via social media. Data were collected from October 2021 to January 2022 using the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire and the Sexual Desire Inventory-2. Participants were divided into four groups: asexual, demisexual, gray-asexual, and questioning. Focusing on sexual desire, asexual people reported significantly lower scores than the other groups in all the dimensions except for "negative feelings to sexual desire," while demisexual participants showed the higher scores in all the domains except for "negative feelings to sexual desire." The questioning group reported the highest scores in the "negative feelings toward sexual desire" compared to the asexual and demisexual ones. The asexual group reported significantly lower scores than the other groups in fantasies frequency, fantasies importance, negative emotions, and sharing and experiencing. The demisexual group showed higher frequency of romantic fantasies than the asexual and gray-asexual ones. The results showed some specific patterns of desire and fantasies among the asexual, gray-asexual, demisexual, and questioning groups. These data may provide relevant material to clinicians working with asexual patients who need greater awareness about the diversity and heterogeneity of the sexual experience within the ACE spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Nimbi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Caterina Appia
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tanzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Giovanardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Chok L, Suris JC, Barrense-Dias Y. Characteristics of Young People Reporting a Low Sexual Desire in Switzerland. SEXUALITY & CULTURE 2023; 28:1152-1169. [PMID: 38707677 PMCID: PMC11068582 DOI: 10.1007/s12119-023-10171-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the characteristics of young female and male adults (mean age 26.3 years) reporting a low sexual desire. A 2017 Swiss national survey was carried out among young adults. Participants were divided into two groups based on their level of sexual desire: Low and High. Overall, 17.2% of females and 5.7% of males reported a low sexual desire. At the multivariate level, compared to females in the High group, females in the Low group had higher odds of being dissatisfied with their social life and with their sexual life in the past 4 weeks, having no current relationship and having accepted several times sexual intercourse without really wanting. Compared to males in the High group, males in the Low group had higher odds of reporting a non-heterosexual attraction (trend), having no current relationship and having accepted several times sexual intercourse without really wanting. The prevailing idea that young people, particularly males, always have high levels of sexual desire may not be accurate and warrants further consideration. These results show that sexual desire encompasses social aspects and underscore importance of addressing how stereotypes and social norms may influence our sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Chok
- Research Group on Adolescent Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joan-Carles Suris
- Research Group on Adolescent Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yara Barrense-Dias
- Research Group on Adolescent Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Nimbi FM, Galizia R, Limoncin E, Levy T, Jannini EA, Simonelli C, Tambelli R. Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies Questionnaire: The Development and Validation of the Erotic Fantasy Use Scale (SDEF2) on Experience, Attitudes, and Sharing Issues. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081159. [PMID: 37107993 PMCID: PMC10138526 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The investigation of sexual fantasies is a delicate issue within sex research. Most studies have focused on the content of these fantasies, rather than on use, experiences, attitudes, and sharing issues, which are fundamental aspects within sexual therapy. The main aim of the present study was to develop and validate the "Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire-Part 2. Use of Erotic Fantasies (SDEF2)". METHODS The SDEF2 was completed by 1773 Italian participants (1105 women, 645 men, and 23 other genders). RESULTS The final 21-item version presented a five-factor structure (fantasies frequency, fantasies normality, fantasies importance, negative emotions, and sharing and experiencing). The SDEF2 showed good psychometric properties, internal reliability, construct, and discriminant validity, appearing to be able to differentiate between sexually clinical and functional women and men (based on the FSFI and IIEF cut-off scores). CONCLUSIONS The possibility of assessing fantasies frequency, attitudes, and emotions may be extremely useful both for research and clinical purposes. The current study seems to validate that the SDEF2 is a useful measure of assessing the different aspects related to a fantasizing activity, which was shown to be associated with sexual functioning and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Nimbi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Galizia
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Limoncin
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Tom Levy
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Simonelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Nimbi FM, Galizia R, Fontanesi L, Soyman S, Jannini EA, Simonelli C, Tambelli R. Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies Questionnaire: Validation of the Erotic Fantasy Inventory Scale (SDEF3) in Italian Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060880. [PMID: 36981536 PMCID: PMC10048620 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Erotic fantasies are the most common sexual experiences and provide valuable clinical material for understanding individual and relational emotional dynamics. The primary objective of this study is to validate the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire (SDEF) Part 3–Inventory of Erotic Fantasies. This questionnaire was designed to be a sex-positive and inclusive measure of the content of erotic fantasies, accessible to individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship/romantic status, and sexual behaviors. Methods: The SDEF3 was completed by 1773 Italian participants (1105 women, 645 men, and 23 participants identifying as other genders). Two factorial structures were presented and discussed: a 20-dimension structure for clinical and explorative use and a 6-dimension structure for research purposes. Results: The six-factor version was preferred due to its robust statistical properties and its ability to differentiate between sexually clinical and functional men and women, based on cut-off scores from the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Differences in the frequency of themes in fantasies between gender and sexual orientation were reported and discussed. Conclusions: The current study indicates that the SDEF3 is a valuable and comprehensive measure for assessing various scenarios related to fantasizing activity. It has potential applications in both clinical practice and scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Nimbi
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberta Galizia
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lilybeth Fontanesi
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Seray Soyman
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Simonelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Juan Carlos MP, Julio VC, Héctor Alexis LB, Christa Michelle CA, Shelley L C. Mental and sexual health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Differences between lesbian and bisexual women and gay and bisexual men in Mexico. JOURNAL OF LESBIAN STUDIES 2022; 27:7-21. [PMID: 36533655 DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2022.2149161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 had implications for sexual minorities who faced challenges due to situations related to their sexual orientation. The objective of this article was to analyze the differences in sexual and mental health experiences between lesbian and bisexual women (LBW) and gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Mexico in the context of the pandemic. An online survey captured the mental and sexual health experiences of a total of 932 participants consisting of 720 GBM and 212 LBW with a mean age of 30.5 years. Regarding mental health, women reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and a greater possibility of suicidal ideation. Regarding sexual health, men were more likely to use drugs during sexual intercourse, have problems getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI), and have had STI during the lockdown. These findings identify particularities that each group faced, which can inform recommendations for public policies addressing specific sexual and mental health problems during and after the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mendoza-Pérez Juan Carlos
- Facultad de Medicina Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico
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Nimbi FM, Simonelli C. The Sex Therapists' Approach to the Evaluation and Management of Low Sex Drive in Men. J Sex Med 2022; 19:546-552. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sánchez-Sánchez LC, Rodríguez MFV, García-Montes JM, Petisco-Rodríguez C, Fernández-García R. Mindfulness in Sexual Activity, Sexual Satisfaction and Erotic Fantasies in a Non-Clinical Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1161. [PMID: 33525611 PMCID: PMC7908537 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study is to better understand the relation between the practice of Mindfulness and the sexual activity, sexual satisfaction and erotic fantasies of Spanish-speaking participants. This research focuses on the comparison between people who practice Mindfulness versus naïve people, and explores the practice of Mindfulness and its relation with the following variables about sexuality: body awareness and bodily dissociation, personal sexual satisfaction, partner and relationship-related satisfaction, desire, subjective sexual arousal, genital arousal, orgasm, pain, attitudes towards sexual fantasies and types of sexual fantasies. The sample consisted of 106 selected adults, 32 men and 74 women, who completed six measures on an online survey platform: (a) Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), (b) Scale of Body Connection (SBC), (c) New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS), (d) Scale of Sexual Activity in Women (SSA-W) and Men (SSA-M), (e) Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy (HISF), (f) Wilson's Sex Fantasy Questionnaire. In the MAAS, Body Awareness subscale (SBC), NSSS, SSA-W and SSA-M, HISF and intimate fantasies subscale (Wilson's questionnaire), people in the Mindfulness condition showed higher scores and these differences were statistically significant. These results may have relevant implications in the sexuality of clinical and non-clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Sánchez-Sánchez
- Department of Evolutionary and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Science Education and Sport, University of Granada, Calle Santander, Nº 1, 52071 Melilla, Spain;
| | - María Fernanda Valderrama Rodríguez
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento S/N, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.F.V.R.); (J.M.G.-M.)
| | - José Manuel García-Montes
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento S/N, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.F.V.R.); (J.M.G.-M.)
| | - Cristina Petisco-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Education, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Calle Henry Collet, 52-70, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rubén Fernández-García
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento S/N, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain;
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