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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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2
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Herbenick D, Fu TC, Wasata R, Coleman E. Masturbation Prevalence, Frequency, Reasons, and Associations with Partnered Sex in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1317-1331. [PMID: 36575264 PMCID: PMC9794105 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02505-2] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite well-documented individual, relational, and health benefits, masturbation has been stigmatized and is understudied compared to partnered sex. In a US nationally representative survey of adults, we aimed to: (1) assess the prevalence and frequency of participants' prior-year masturbation, (2) describe reasons people give for not masturbating, (3) describe reasons people give for masturbating, and (4) examine the association between masturbation frequency and actual/desired partnered sex frequency in the prior year. Significantly more men than women reported lifetime masturbation, past month masturbation, and greater masturbation frequency. The most frequently endorsed reasons for masturbating related to pleasure, feeling "horny," stress relief, and relaxation. The most frequently endorsed reasons for not masturbating were lack of interest, being in a committed relationship, conflict with morals or values, or being against one's religion. Among women, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were 3.89 times (95% CI: 2.98, 5.08) and 2.07 times (95% CI: 1.63, 2.62), respectively, more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation than those who desired no change in their partnered sex frequency. Among men, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were 4.40 times (95% CI: 3.41, 5.68) and 2.37 times (95% CI: 1.84, 3.06), respectively, more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation activity than those who reported that they desired no change in their current partnered sex frequency. Findings provide contemporary U.S. population-level data on patterns of adult masturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Ruhun Wasata
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Eli Coleman
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3
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Price AA, McCann KGY, Kunzler L, Leavitt CE, Holmes EK. Body Image and Sex: A Dyadic Examination of Body Esteem and Sexual Inhibition, Obsession, and Harmony. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-11. [PMID: 36624975 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2164243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
How each individual within a relationship views their body may play a role in how they experience their sexual interactions. Previous research found associations between body image and sexual well-being at an individual level, but very little research has examined a dyadic association between body image and sexual and relational well-being. Using a nationally representative sample of 2,177 newlywed couples, this study used an Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM) to estimate actor and partner associations between body esteem and relationship satisfaction, using sexual styles - inhibited, obsessed, or harmonious - as potential mediators. Findings showed both actor and partner effects. Body esteem was positively associated with own and partner's sexual harmony. Both men's and women's body esteem were negatively associated with women's sexual inhibition. A positive association between body esteem and own relationship satisfaction remained even when accounting for sexual mediators. Additional findings are discussed. These findings indicate that an individual's comfort with the body may be associated with sexual and relational well-being for both partners.
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Weaver AD, Byers ES. Body Image and Sexual Well-Being: A Qualitative Study of Women's Perceptions of Partner and Relationship Influences. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 49:299-313. [PMID: 35920757 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2105768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Women with poorer body image tend to report lower sexual well-being; yet, minimal research has examined interpersonal factors affecting women's body image in the context of sexual activity. We examined women's perceptions of the influence of relationship and partner factors on their body image during sexual activity with their male partner. Semi-structured interviews with 16 young adult women (ages 19-29) revealed that relationship factors (relationship quality and stage) and partner factors (partner's judgment or objectification, compliments from partner, partner's attractiveness, partner's body image, and partner initiation of sexual activity) were perceived as influencing body image in sexual situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela D Weaver
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - E Sandra Byers
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
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5
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Poovey K, de Jong DC, Morey K. The Roles of Body Image, Sexual Motives, and Distraction in Women's Sexual Pleasure. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1577-1589. [PMID: 35113273 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Women with body image concerns are more likely to experience sexual difficulties (e.g., with arousal, lubrication, orgasm). However, the processes by which body image impacts sexual well-being are poorly understood. We theorized that women with negative body image are less likely to view sex in terms of reward, leading them to have weaker approach sexual motives (i.e., to pursue positive experiences such as pleasure). Rather, women with negative body image may have sex to avoid personal insecurities and negative emotions, leading them to have stronger avoidance sexual motives (i.e., to cope with negative affect or to avoid partner conflict). In turn, we theorized that stronger approach sexual motives may allow women to be more focused on erotic cues during sex, thereby enhancing sexual pleasure, whereas avoidance motives may lead to greater distraction, interfering with sexual pleasure. Women (N = 1619) were recruited from online venues and reported on their body image and most recent sex. We found that body dissatisfaction was associated with weaker self-focused approach motives and in turn more distraction. Additionally, body dissatisfaction was associated with stronger self- and partner-focused avoidance motives and in turn more distraction. In turn, more distraction was associated with less pleasure and worse sexual function. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of whether body image in women is associated with their sexual motives. Findings highlight the importance of sexual motives in explaining the link between body image and sexual pleasure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall Poovey
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, 91 Killian Building Lane, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
| | - David C de Jong
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, 91 Killian Building Lane, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA.
| | - Kasey Morey
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, 91 Killian Building Lane, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
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Moyano N, Sánchez-Fuentes MDM. Sexual body self-representations, desire, and functioning in women. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2021.1978422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Moyano
- Faculty of Humanities and Education Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Universidad de la Cost, Barranquilla, Colombia
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Merghati-Khoei E, Aghajani N, Sheikhan F, Salmani Z, Bayat A, Rahdari F, Yousefi H, Yazdanpanah A, Atoof F, Korte JE. Measuring Sexual Performance: Development and Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Performance Questionnaire in Iranian People with Spinal Cord Injury. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2021; 39:55-65. [PMID: 34522054 DOI: 10.1007/s11195-020-09644-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sexual performance refers to activities served by sexual capacity and motivation. As a culturally sensitive issue, to date the scalar invariance of sexual performance has not been examined for Iranians with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Aim: To develop and assess properties of an instrument evaluating sexual performance of an Iranian population with SCIs., in Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Using multi-modal methods, we developed and assessed the Sexual Performance Questionnaire (SPQ). This included collecting expert opinions; engaging with patients with SCI referred to BASIR; pilot testing to assess the scale; and a formal investigation. Participants (men = 156, women = 58) completed the SPQ. Internal consistency and reliability were measured using Cronbach's α coefficient. Content and face validity were examined by academic experts. Construct validity was assessed by examining convergent and discriminant validity. Finally, exploratory factor analysis was used to extract the factor structure of the questionnaire. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.77. There was a significant (p = 0.04) correlation (r = - 0.23) between the SPQ score and age. Those with a partner scored higher (p = 0.001). We found three components: Spouse as initiator, self-initiation, and genital-oriented sex which accounted for 59% of the observed variance. The face and content validity was approved by an expert committee. The development and application of the 13-item SPQ provides a thorough understanding of sexual performance amongst persons with SCI. It facilitates the development of efficient sexual rehabilitation interventions and SCI-specific sexuality education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effat Merghati-Khoei
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noura Aghajani
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sheikhan
- Department of Midwifery, Khalkhal Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khalkhal, Iran
| | - Zahra Salmani
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Bayat
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Institution of Risk Behavior Reduction, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Rahdari
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habib Yousefi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Institution of Risk Behavior Reduction, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abazar Yazdanpanah
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Atoof
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Jeffrey E Korte
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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8
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Garz M, Schröder J, Nieder T, Becker I, Biedermann S, Hildebrandt T, Briken P, Auer M, Fuß J. Body Image and Sexual Desire in the Context of Gender Affirming Therapy: Results of a Cross-sectional Multi-centered Transgender Study. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 47:435-445. [PMID: 33616008 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1888831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
It has been posited that gender-affirming treatment (GAT) can have an influence on body image and sexual desire in trans people. This study aims to examine associations between GAT and sexual desire as well as whether body image mediates the influences of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) or gender-affirming surgery (GAS) on sexual desire. A total of 210 individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria (n = 105 of each gender) were assessed via self-assessment questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. Associations between GAT and sexual desire were investigated via multivariate analyses of variance. Mediation analyses were conducted to clarify associations between GAHT/GAS, body image, and sexual desire. GAHT was associated with increased sexual desire only in transmen. GAS had no significant effect on sexual desire in transmen and transwomen. Body image did not mediate the influence of GAHT or GAS on sexual desire in both groups. GAHT and GAS had significant direct effects on body image in both genders, whereas body image showed no significant direct effect on sexual desire. The results indicate that effects of GAT on sexual desire seem to be attributable to other factors than body image, such as the hormonal influence of testosterone in transmen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Garz
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Schröder
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Timo Nieder
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Inga Becker
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Biedermann
- Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hildebrandt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Auer
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Research Group Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Fuß
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Wyatt RB, de Jong DC. Anxiousness and Distractibility Strengthen Mediated Associations Between Men's Penis Appearance Concerns, Spectatoring, and Sexual Difficulties: A Preregistered Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2981-2992. [PMID: 32504236 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01753-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Men with penis appearance concerns are more likely to experience sexual difficulties because they engage in spectatoring (i.e., negative self-critical attentional focus during sex). This preregistered study investigated whether anxious and distractible personality traits make men with penis appearance concerns more likely to engage in spectatoring and, in turn, experience sexual difficulties. In a sample of 858 sexually active men in predominantly mixed-gender relationships, we replicated previous findings that penis appearance concerns were associated with greater spectatoring, and in turn greater problems with erection and orgasm. Additionally, our novel hypotheses that anxiousness and distractibility would strengthen these associations were partially supported. Anxiousness strengthened associations between penis appearance concerns and sexual embarrassment, and in turn was associated with greater reports of erectile and orgasmic difficulties. However, anxiousness did not strengthen the mediated associations between penis appearance concerns, self-focus, and erectile and orgasmic difficulties. Distractibility strengthened associations between sexual embarrassment and erectile difficulties, and in turn strengthened the mediated associations between penis appearance concerns, sexual embarrassment, and erectile difficulties. However, distractibility did not strengthen associations between sexual embarrassment and orgasmic difficulties, between sexual self-focus and erectile difficulties, nor between sexual self-focus and orgasmic difficulties. Implications for therapeutic treatments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Wyatt
- Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - David C de Jong
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, 91 Killian Building Lane, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA.
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10
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Changes in Sexual Desire in Women and Their Partners during Pregnancy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020526. [PMID: 32075159 PMCID: PMC7074242 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
When studying sexual desire during pregnancy, most research focuses on the pregnant woman’s sexual desire and almost never takes into account her sexual partner. The novelty of this study is that sexual desire during pregnancy is studied from the point of view of the pregnant woman and from that of her male partner. The goal of this study is to see how sexual desire behaves during pregnancy in both partners. For this, a descriptive, longitudinal, and multistage study was designed. Methodologically, in the first stage, the different study variables were described through a single-variate analysis. In the second stage, one variable was related to others by means of a bivariate analysis. Finally, in the third stage, a multivariate analysis was done, composed of binary logistic regression models and latent growth curves. The results confirm that pregnancy influences the sexual desire of both partners, and that sexual desire behaves differently in women than in men during pregnancy. Men have higher levels of sexual desire throughout pregnancy as compared to women. The first trimester of pregnancy is the period when women have less sexual desire.
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11
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Gillen MM, Markey CH. A review of research linking body image and sexual well-being. Body Image 2019; 31:294-301. [PMID: 30584001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The link between body image and sexual well-being is intuitive and increasingly supported by psychological research: individuals, particularly women, with greater body satisfaction and body appreciation tend to report more positive sexual experiences. Although both perceptions of one's body and one's sexual life are central to most adults' experiences, this area of research has remained somewhat understudied. In this review, we discuss the findings that are available and suggest directions for future research and applied implications of this work. We highlight Thomas Cash's contributions to this area of study, given his significant contributions to moving our understanding of body image and sexual well-being forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan M Gillen
- Division of Social Sciences, 1600 Woodland Road, The Pennsylvania State University, Abington, PA, 19001, United States.
| | - Charlotte H Markey
- Health Sciences Center, Rutgers University, 311 N. 5th St., Camden, NJ 08102, United States.
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Wyatt RB, de Jong DC, Holden CJ. Spectatoring Mediates the Association Between Penis Appearance Concerns and Sexual Dysfunction. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2018; 45:328-338. [PMID: 30595102 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2018.1526838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Men with penis appearance concerns are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, but the processes underlying this association are unknown. This study investigated whether spectatoring (i.e., negative self-directed attentional focus during sex) mediates the association between penis appearance concerns and sexual dysfunction. Men in romantic relationships (N = 512, in predominantly mixed-gender relationships) reported on sex they had with their partner in the previous month. Indirect effects indicated that penis appearance concerns predicted greater spectatoring, and in turn predicted greater erectile and orgasmic dysfunction. Results suggest that spectatoring is a conduit through which penis appearance concerns impede sexual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Wyatt
- a Department of Psychology , Western Carolina University , Cullowhee , North Carolina , USA
| | - David C de Jong
- a Department of Psychology , Western Carolina University , Cullowhee , North Carolina , USA
| | - Christopher J Holden
- b Department of Psychology , Appalachian State University , Boone , North Carolina , USA
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Weaver AD, Byers ES. Young women's perceptions of the impact of their body image on their sexual experiences. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.2017-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to explore women's perceptions of their body within the context of their sexual relationship with a male partner. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 young women (ages 19 to 29). Thematic analysis revealed that women described a fluctuating body image that influences their behaviour and experience of sexual activity including initiating or avoiding, openness or inhibition, and feeling engaged or distracted. They described contextual factors that affect their body image in sexual situations (e.g., lighting, sexual position) as well as strategies they used to ameliorate the impact of body image concerns (e.g., self-talk, shifting focus), to varying degrees of success. Most indicated that they were able to enjoy partnered sexual activity despite their insecurities. Thus, women viewed their sexual experiences as influenced by body image in dynamic, fluctuating ways, with numerous influencing factors. Strategies for mitigating these perceived negative effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela D. Weaver
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS
| | - E. Sandra Byers
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Federicton, NB
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Mark KP, Lasslo JA. Maintaining Sexual Desire in Long-Term Relationships: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Model. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018. [PMID: 29521522 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2018.1437592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The most universally experienced sexual response is sexual desire. Though research on this topic has increased in recent years, low and high desire are still problematized in clinical settings and the broader culture. However, despite knowledge that sexual desire ebbs and flows both within and between individuals, and that problems with sexual desire are strongly linked to problems with relationships, there is a critical gap in understanding the factors that contribute to maintaining sexual desire in the context of relationships. This article offers a systematic review of the literature to provide researchers, educators, clinicians, and the broader public with an overview and a conceptual model of nonclinical sexual desire in long-term relationships. First, we systematically identified peer-reviewed, English-language articles that focused on the maintenance of sexual desire in the context of nonclinical romantic relationships. Second, we reviewed a total of 64 articles that met inclusion criteria and synthesized them into factors using a socioecological framework categorized as individual, interpersonal, and societal in nature. These findings are used to build a conceptual model of maintaining sexual desire in long-term relationships. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the existing research and suggest clear directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Mark
- a Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion , University of Kentucky
| | - Julie A Lasslo
- a Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion , University of Kentucky
- b Department of Health Promotion & Administration , Eastern Kentucky University
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Moyano N, Dib-Fayad N, Vélez-Schemankewitz M. Adaptation and validation of the sexual self-consciousness scale in Ecuadorian women. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2017.1295137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Moyano
- Faculty of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain
| | - Nicole Dib-Fayad
- School of Psychology, University of Especialidades Espiritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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