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Raposo CF, Nobre PJ, Manão AA, Pascoal PM. Understanding sexual distress related to sexual function (SDRSF): A preliminary framework based on a qualitative study with clinical sexologists. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100473. [PMID: 39021678 PMCID: PMC467054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sexual distress related to sexual function (SDRSF) is pivotal in diagnosing sexual dysfunction. However, there is a lack of theoretical models for its comprehension and of knowledge concerning how to address it in clinical practice. Aim To contribute to theory building and clinical practice about SDRSF by collecting clinicians' accounts, aiming to inform a preliminary framework to study and intervene in SDRSF. Method Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data from 16 semi-structured interviews with clinical sexologists. Results: Three main themes were created: (1) Burning from the inside, (2) Wicked games, and (3) Running up that hill. Participants revealed a multidimensional understanding of SDRSF in clinical settings that integrates individual, sociocultural, interpersonal and situational factors. This underscores the interconnected nature of SDRSF, revealing its links to different facets of overall distress in clinical settings. We present a preliminary framework that may be analytically generalized to enhance the comprehension of the specificities of SDRSF. Conclusion These insights frame a comprehensive conceptualization of SDRSF in clinical settings that goes beyond sexual activity and implies that interpersonal and societal factors need to be considered in research and intervention in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina F. Raposo
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro J. Nobre
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia A. Manão
- Lusófona University, HEI‐Lab: Digital Human‐Environment Interaction Labs, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M. Pascoal
- Lusófona University, HEI‐Lab: Digital Human‐Environment Interaction Labs, Portugal
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Meston CM, Freihart BK, Crosby CL, Stephenson KR, Trapnell PD. Psychometric Evaluation and Adaptation of the Five-Factor Sexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS-W) for Use in Men: The Sexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS). JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:216-229. [PMID: 37873651 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2270205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W) is a psychometrically sound, widely used instrument for assessing sexual satisfaction and distress in women. Because the majority of scale items are gender nonspecific, numerous researchers have adapted this scale for use in male samples. The goal of the current study was to assess the reliability and validity of a slightly modified version of the SSS-W in a male sample (N = 268). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of five previously established factors provided evidence for consistency of internal structure in men. The adapted scale (SSS) exhibited acceptable test-retest reliability, as well as evidence for validity based on relationships with theoretically predicted variables. Taken together, there is evidence to suggest that the SSS may be a reliable and valid psychometric tool for the measurement of sexual satisfaction and distress in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy M Meston
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Bridget K Freihart
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Courtney L Crosby
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Paul D Trapnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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3
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Tassone D, Gauvin SEM, Flores LE, Pukall CF. "It happens to everyone" vs. "You're not a real man": The relationship between intimate communication and men's sexual difficulties. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 49:869-885. [PMID: 37218825 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2214544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Sexual difficulties can have negative intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences on both members of a couple, but little is known about how communication in a relationship relates to men's experience of sexual difficulties. We explored the associations among components of intimate communication, men's sexual difficulties, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction in a sample of men in mixed-gender and same-gender relationships (n = 341). Among all components of intimate communication, sexual communication was most consistently related to indicators of sexual difficulties, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. Results generally remained consistent across mixed-gender and same-gender couples, with some exceptions relevant to sexual difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Tassone
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Luis E Flores
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Chen J, Wang Q, Huang X, Xu Y, Xiang Z, Liu S, Yang J, Chen Y. Potential biomarkers for distinguishing primary from acquired premature ejaculation: A diffusion tensor imaging based network study. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:929567. [PMID: 36340794 PMCID: PMC9626512 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.929567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Premature ejaculation (PE) is classified as primary and acquired and may be facilitated by different pathophysiology. Brain plays an important role in PE, however, differences in the central neuropathological mechanisms among subtypes of PE are unknown. Materials and methods We acquired diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data from 44 healthy controls (HC) and 47 PE patients (24 primary PE and 23 acquired PE). Then, the whole-brain white matter (WM) structural networks were constructed and between-group differences of nodal segregative parameters were identified by the method of graph theoretical analysis. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to determine the suitability of the altered parameters as potential neuroimaging biomarkers for distinguishing primary PE from acquired PE. Results PE patients showed significantly increased clustering coefficient C(i) in the left inferior frontal gyrus (triangular part) (IFGtriang.L) and increased local efficiency Eloc(i) in the left precental gyrus (PreCG.L) and IFGtriang.L when compared with HC. Compared to HC, primary PE patients had increased C(i) and Eloc(i) in IFGtriang.L and the left amygdala (AMYG.L) while acquired PE patients had increased C(i) and Eloc(i) in IFGtriang.L, and decreased C(i) and Eloc(i) in AMYG.L. Compared to acquired PE, primary PE patients had increased C(i) and Eloc(i) in AMYG.L. Moreover, ROC analysis revealed that PreCG.L, IFGtriang.L and AMYG.L might be helpful for distinguishing different subtypes of PE from HC (PE from HC: sensitivity, 61.70–78.72%; specificity, 56.82–77.27%; primary PE from HC: sensitivity, 66.67–87.50%; specificity, 52.27–77.27%; acquired PE from HC: sensitivity, 34.78–86.96%; specificity, 54.55–100%) while AMYG.L might be helpful for distinguishing primary PE from acquired PE (sensitivity, 83.33–91.70%; specificity, 69.57–73.90%). Conclusion These findings improved our understanding of the pathophysiological processes that occurred in patients with ejaculatory dysfunction and suggested that the abnormal segregation of left amygdala might serve as a useful marker to help clinicians distinguish patients with primary PE from those with acquired PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhuai Chen
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinfei Huang
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziliang Xiang
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaowei Liu
- Department of Radiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China
- Jie Yang,
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Chen,
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Tavares IM, Santos-Iglesias P, Nobre PJ. Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples. J Sex Med 2022; 19:834-845. [PMID: 35370102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Female Sexual Distress Scale and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised-herein called the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS and SDS-R)-are among the most widely used self-report instruments to assess sexual distress, but no version for use in the Portuguese population is available to date. AIM The current study aimed to validate the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R in samples of women and men with and without distressing sexual problems. METHODS A sample of 1,109 participants without distressing sexual problems (761 women) and 382 participants with distressing sexual problems (283 women), ages ranging from 18 to 72 years, were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese SDS and SDS-R. OUTCOMES Participants completed a survey that included a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the SDS and SDS-R, and measures of sexual satisfaction, sexual quality of life, sexual function, dyadic adjustment, and psychological distress. RESULTS Results indicated that the Portuguese SDS and the SDS-R assess 1 general domain of sexual distress and showed good evidences of validity based on content and on relations with other variables. Sexual distress was associated with poorer sexual function, satisfaction, and quality of life, with higher psychological distress, and lower dyadic adjustment. Internal consistency and test-retest (1 month) reliabilities were excellent. Tests of differential functioning of items indicated that the SDS and SDS-R scores can be used to compare women and men on sexual distress, but the SDS/SDS-R scores flagged differential functioning of items and test (DFIT) between participants with and without distressing sexual problems. CLINICAL TRANSLATION Clinicians and researchers can now make use of the SDS and of the SDS-R in the Portuguese population, facilitating the assessment of sexual distress in clinical settings. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The Portuguese SDS/SDS-R scores can be compared between women and men, providing information on sexual distress independently of sexual function. With the current evidence, comparisons between individuals with and without distressing sexual problems should be made with caution, as the scores may be biased against the former. CONCLUSION This study provides a validation of the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R that can be used to assess sexual distress in Portuguese women and men and can be used to compare between these 2 groups. Tavares IM, Santos-Iglesias P, Nobre PJ. Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples. J Sex Med 2022;19:834-845.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês M Tavares
- Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Pedro J Nobre
- Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Porto, Portugal
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Dewitte M, Bettocchi C, Carvalho J, Corona G, Flink I, Limoncin E, Pascoal P, Reisman Y, Van Lankveld J. A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Sex Med 2021; 9:100434. [PMID: 34626919 PMCID: PMC8766276 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although erectile dysfunction (ED) involves an interaction between physiological and psychological pathways, the psychosocial aspects of ED have received considerably less attention so far. AIM To review the available evidence on the psychosocial aspects of ED in order to develop a position statement and clinical practice recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). METHOD A comprehensive, narrative review of the literature was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Specific statements and recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria were provided. RESULTS A multidisciplinary treatment, in which medical treatment is combined with a psychological approach, is preferred over unimodal treatment. There is increasing evidence that psychological treatments of ED can improve medical treatments, the patient's adherence to treatment, and the quality of the sexual relationship. The main components of psychological treatment of ED involve cognitive and behavioral techniques aimed at reducing anxiety, challenging dysfunctional beliefs, increasing sexual stimulation, disrupting sexual avoidance, and increasing intimacy and communication skills in a relational context. When applicable and possible, it is strongly recommended to include the partner in the assessment and treatment of ED and to actively work on interpartner agreement and shared decision-making regarding possible treatment options. To ensure a better integration of the biopsychosocial model into clinical practice, developing concrete treatment protocols and training programs are desirable. CONCLUSION Because the psychosocial approach to ED has been underexposed so far, this position statement provides valuable information for clinicians treating ED. Psychological interventions on ED are based on existing theoretical models that are grounded in empirical evidence. However, the quality of available studies is low, which calls for further research. The sexual medicine field would benefit from pursuing more diversity, inclusivity, and integration when setting up treatments and evaluating their effect. Dewitte M, Bettocchi C, Carvalho J, et al. A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Sex Med 2021;9:100434.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Dewitte
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Carlo Bettocchi
- Policlinic, Urology Unit, University of Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Joanna Carvalho
- Escola de Psicologia e Ciências da Vida, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda USL, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ida Flink
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Erika Limoncin
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Pascoal
- CICPSI, Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, Lisboa, Portugal; Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal; Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação & CPUP, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
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7
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Gerbild H, Areskoug Josefsson K, Marie Larsen C, Schantz Laursen B. Communication about physical activity to reduce vascular erectile dysfunction - A qualitative interview study among men in cardiac rehabilitation. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:839-851. [PMID: 34288023 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity, a core intervention in cardiac rehabilitation, can reduce vascular erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is a common sensitive problem for men with cardiac diseases, decreasing their quality of life. Cardiac health professionals rarely provide information about ED or its relation to physical activity. Developing health professionals' communicative component of the complex intervention 'Physical Activity to reduce Vascular Erectile Dysfunction' (PAVED) is important. Understanding the receiver needs is essential in designing a complex intervention. AIM To elucidate men's perspectives on cardiac health professionals' communication about PAVED. ETHICAL ISSUES An Institutional Data Protection Agency approved the study. METHODS An interpretive data-driven thematic analysis was applied to individual, qualitative semi-structured interviews with 20 Danish men attending cardiac rehabilitation. RESULTS The men wanted health professionals' communicating about ED, as it was perceived as a major problem diminishing masculinity and tabooed by health professionals. Men wanted help for self-help, which may be possible with the aid of competent health professionals' communication about how to prevent, reduce and cope with ED - including information about PAVED. The men wanted health professionals' communication about ED in various contexts: general information in groups, sexual counselling for individuals and couples and written material. STUDY LIMITATIONS Recruitment was done from a Danish municipality's cardiac rehabilitation, and the transferability of the results may be limited to similar contexts. CONCLUSION Erectile dysfunction was experienced as a major biopsychosocial problem for the men and their partners. The men had a need for health professionals' communication about sexuality, ED and information about PAVED as well as about prevention, reduction and management of ED. The men had a need for professional communication about sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Gerbild
- Health Sciences Research Centre, UCL University College, Odense, Denmark.,Center for Sexology Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department for Behavioural Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina Areskoug Josefsson
- Department for Behavioural Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Sandnes, Norway.,School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Camilla Marie Larsen
- Health Sciences Research Centre, UCL University College, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Schantz Laursen
- Center for Sexology Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Clinical Nursing Research Unit & Sexological Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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8
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Stephenson KR, Welch JP. Statistical Mediators of the Association Between Mindfulness and Sexual Experiences in Men with Impaired Sexual Function. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1545-1557. [PMID: 31713094 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01467-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness-based therapy has shown promise as a treatment for female sexual dysfunction and has the potential to be an efficacious treatment for male sexual dysfunction. However, there has been little empirical evidence regarding the mechanisms through which mindfulness may improve sexual experiences, especially for men. Recent theoretical reviews have suggested potential mediators that may explain the beneficial effects of mindfulness on symptoms of male sexual dysfunction, including reduced avoidance of sex, reduced distraction during sex, and/or reduced activation of negative sexual schemas. We attempted an initial statistical test of these factors as potential mediators of the association between trait mindfulness and multiple sexual outcomes (sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress) using a cross-sectional correlational design. A total of 163 men with self-reported current impairments in one or more aspects of sexual function completed self-report scales using a secure online survey. Bivariate correlations indicated that mindfulness was significantly associated with sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, and premature ejaculation, but not other aspects of sexual function. Sexual avoidance statistically mediated the link between mindfulness and sexual satisfaction, both distraction and activation of negative schemas statistically mediated the link between mindfulness and premature ejaculation, and all three factors statistically mediated the link between mindfulness and sexual distress. These results generally supported previous theoretical work and have implications for future treatment outcome research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle R Stephenson
- Department of Psychology, Willamette University, 900 State Street, Salem, OR, 97301, USA.
| | - John P Welch
- Department of Psychology, Willamette University, 900 State Street, Salem, OR, 97301, USA
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9
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Stephenson KR. Exploring the Role of Sexual Avoidance in Male Sexual Dysfunction. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2020; 57:522-533. [PMID: 31553241 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1663480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Theoretical models of male sexual dysfunction highlight the role of sexual avoidance as a maintaining factor. However, little empirical research has directly tested the role of sexual avoidance in samples of men with sexual problems. The goals of the current study were to A) assess the association between sexual avoidance, sexual function, and subjective sexual well-being, and B) explore possible predictors of sexual avoidance, including insecure attachment, activation of negative sexual schemas, and trait experiential avoidance. One hundred and fifty eight men with self-identified impairments in sexual function (low desire, erectile function, and/or premature/delayed ejaculation) completed validated self-report measures in a secure online survey. Sexual avoidance was uniquely predicted by most aspects of sexual function, and was correlated with poorer subjective sexual well-being. Higher levels of attachment avoidance and activation of negative schemas uniquely predicted more frequent sexual avoidance. Alternatively, interaction models suggested that impaired erectile function was less likely to be associated with sexual avoidance for those with high levels of attachment anxiety and for those with high levels of trait experiential avoidance. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Parkes A, Waltenberger M, Mercer C, Johnson A, Wellings K, Mitchell K. Latent class analysis of sexual health markers among men and women participating in a British probability sample survey. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:14. [PMID: 31914970 PMCID: PMC6950902 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7959-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite known associations between different aspects of sexual health, it is not clear how patterning of adverse sexual health varies across the general population. A better understanding should contribute towards more effective problem identification, prevention and treatment. We sought to identify different clusters of sexual health markers in a general population, along with their socio-demographic, health and lifestyle correlates. METHODS Data came from men (N = 5113) and women (N = 7019) aged 16-74 who reported partnered sexual activity in the past year in Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, undertaken in 2010-2012. Latent class analysis used 18 self-reported variables relating to adverse sexual health outcomes (STI and unplanned pregnancy, non-volitional sex, and sexual function problems). Correlates included socio-demographics, early debut, alcohol/drug use, depression, and satisfaction/distress with sex life. RESULTS Four classes were found for men (labelled Good Sexual Health 83%, Wary Risk-takers 4%, Unwary Risk-takers 4%, Sexual Function Problems 9%); six for women (Good Sexual Health 52%, Wary Risk-takers 2%, Unwary Risk-takers 7%, Low Interest 29%, Sexual Function Problems 7%, Highly Vulnerable 2%). Regardless of gender, Unwary Risk-takers reported lower STI/HIV risk perception and more condomless sex than Wary Risk-takers, but both were more likely to report STI diagnosis than Good Sexual Health classes. Highly Vulnerable women reported abortion, STIs and functional problems, and more sexual coercion than other women. Distinct socio-demographic profiles differentiated higher-risk classes from Good Sexual Health classes, with depression, alcohol/drug use, and early sexual debut widely-shared correlates of higher-risk classes. Females in higher-risk classes, and men with functional problems, evaluated their sex lives more negatively than those with Good Sexual Health. CONCLUSIONS A greater prevalence and diversity of poor sexual health appears to exist among women than men in Britain, with more consistent effects on women's subjective sexual well-being. Shared health and lifestyle characteristics of higher-risk groups suggest widespread benefits of upstream interventions. Several groups could benefit from tailored interventions: men and women who underestimate their STI/HIV risk exposure, women distressed by low interest in sex, and women experiencing multiple adverse outcomes. Distinctive socio-demographic profiles should assist with identification and targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Parkes
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Top floor, 200 Renfield St, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Michael Waltenberger
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Top floor, 200 Renfield St, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine Mercer
- UCL Institute for Global Health, University College London, Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street, London, UK
| | - Anne Johnson
- UCL Institute for Global Health, University College London, Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street, London, UK
| | - Kaye Wellings
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - Kirstin Mitchell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Top floor, 200 Renfield St, Glasgow, UK
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Lorenz TK. Brief Report: Sexual Wellbeing in Heterosexual, Mostly Heterosexual, and Bisexually Attracted Men and Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2019; 31:339-349. [PMID: 33968289 PMCID: PMC8101983 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2019.1628156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess differences in sexual wellbeing among men and women with exclusively heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, and bisexual attractions. METHOD An anonymous online survey in a convenience sample of 597 young adults (394 women, 203 men; average age = 20.04) assessed patterns of sexual attraction, desire, sexual functioning, and sexual satisfaction using validated questionnaires. RESULTS Individuals with mostly heterosexual attractions reported significantly higher solitary sexual desire than exclusively heterosexual individuals (women: d = 0.64; men: d = 0.68). Partnered sexual desire did not differ between groups. Women with exclusively heterosexual attractions reported significantly higher sexual functioning and satisfaction than either mostly heterosexual or bisexually attracted women (functioning: d = 0.29; satisfaction: d = 0.47). Men with mostly heterosexual attractions reported significantly lower sexual functioning than either exclusively heterosexual or bisexually attracted men (d = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS There were significant differences between exclusively vs. mostly heterosexual individuals in several aspects of sexual wellbeing, supporting the assertion that mostly heterosexual may constitute a distinct orientation. Taken together with prior research showing higher rates of sexual dysfunction in bisexual women, these findings highlight sexual health disparities among nonmonosexual women. Efforts to support the sexual wellbeing of sexual minority individuals should include consideration of mostly heterosexual individuals, as this population may have unique sexual health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K Lorenz
- Department of Psychology and Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraksa, USA
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