1
|
Walker AM, Lutmer A. Caring, Chemistry, and Orgasms: Components of Great Sexual Experiences. SEXUALITY & CULTURE 2023; 27:1-22. [PMID: 37360018 PMCID: PMC10164420 DOI: 10.1007/s12119-023-10087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Sexual satisfaction is important to individual well-being and relationship satisfaction, making it a research topic relevant for sex clinicians and relationship therapists. The current study adds to sexuality literature by asking participants questions about the factors involved in "great sex." We conducted 78 interviews via email or phone with participants ranging in age from 18 to 69. The sample included a diverse range of sexual orientations and identities, and various relationship statuses. Three primary themes emerged regarding great sex: orgasm, an emotional component, and chemistry/connection. Though some participants equated an emotional aspect as love; most participants made clear the difference between love and emotional elements in sex. Many participants shared their belief that a man only invests in his female partner's orgasm when he also invests in her emotionally. Thus, some women explained that the emotional component helped them be present enough to orgasm. Others explained the emotional component as trust and affection. Participants also elaborated to define chemistry, which they regarded as out of one's control and impossible to manufacture. A smaller number of participants stated unequivocally the lack of necessity of an emotional aspect to great sex; they stated instead that physical connection trumped an emotional component.
Collapse
|
2
|
Kara Y, Karataş M, Duyan V. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on LGBTQ+'s Sexual Behaviors in Turkey: "Everything about Sex Had Become A Black Box". JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022:1-32. [PMID: 35616369 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2072255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes in the behavior patterns of many population groups due to restrictive measures all over the world. In this study, qualitative research method based on a phenomenological approach was used to determine the changes in the sexual behavior of a group of LGBTQ+ people living in Turkey. The COVID-19 pandemic has culminated in changes in the sexual life of LGBTQ+s. It has been determined that feelings such as the need of emotional support, loneliness, devaluation and helplessness were experienced, and quarantine and curfew restrictions were effective on sexuality and sexual behaviors. In addition, it has been determined that LGBTQ+s have changed in the standards of determining partners during the pandemic process. The use of sex toys has increased, the sensitivity toward self-care and hygiene rules has increased, the tendency to have sexual fantasies has changed, the sexual behavior of people in their social environment has changed, and the disruptions in health services have posed negative effects. It is recommended to carry out studies focusing on the sexual behavior of LGBTQ+s and to develop counseling services regarding the sexual behaviors of LGBTQ+s and the situations that occur in their sexual lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Kara
- Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, Altınbaş University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Karataş
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Social Work, Sabahattin Zaim University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Veli Duyan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Social Work, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rossi V, Galizia R, Tripodi F, Simonelli C, Porpora MG, Nimbi FM. Endometriosis and Sexual Functioning: How Much Do Cognitive and Psycho-Emotional Factors Matter? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095319. [PMID: 35564711 PMCID: PMC9100036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Women with endometriosis often suffer from genito-pelvic pain. The objective of the present study was to analyze the relationship between cognitive and psycho-emotional factors and sexual functioning of women with endometriosis, comparing women with and without endometriosis. A total of 87 women with endometriosis (EG) and 100 women without endometriosis (CG) completed a socio-demographic questionnaire; the short-form of McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ); the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI); the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS); the Symptoms Checklist (SCL-90-R); the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20); the Positive and Negative Affects Scale (PANAS); the Sexual Dysfunctional Belief Questionnaire (SDBQ); the Sexual Modes Questionnaire (SMQ); and the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context (QCSASC). EG obtained worse scores than CG in SF-MPQ, Pain subscale of FSFI, and SDS. EG reached higher scores than CG on almost all scales of SCL-90-R and lower scores in the “Identifying Feelings” scale of TAS-20. Furthermore, EG reported more negative emotions toward sexuality than CG (PANAS) higher scores on the “Affection Primacy” scale of SDBQ and the “Helpless” sexual cognitive schema of QCSASC than CG. No significant differences were found in SMQ. Sexual health professionals should address psychological, emotional, and cognitive factors since they seem involved in patients’ sexual experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rossi
- Institute of Clinical Sexology, 00198 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3480324419
| | - Roberta Galizia
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (C.S.); (F.M.N.)
| | | | - Chiara Simonelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (C.S.); (F.M.N.)
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, “Sapienza” University, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Filippo Maria Nimbi
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (C.S.); (F.M.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The moderator role of neuroticism in the relationship between sexual thoughts and affective response during sexual activity, and sexual functioning: A study with heterosexual and lesbian women. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01703-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
5
|
Dubé JP, Dawson SJ, Rosen NO. Emotion Regulation and Sexual Well-being Among Women: Current Status and Future Directions. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-020-00261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
6
|
Potard C. Relationships between women's emotional reaction to first coital experience and subsequent sexual risk-taking behaviour. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2020; 25:126-132. [PMID: 32069142 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2020.1722993] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The study aimed to consider the affective reactions of young French women to their experience of first sexual intercourse and examine the relationship with subsequent risky sexual behaviours, using cluster profiles.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women in France (n = 391) (mean age 22.36 years, standard deviation 3.08). Participants completed a questionnaire with self-reported measures of emotional responses to first sexual intercourse and risky sexual behaviours.Results: Cluster analyses revealed four emotional reaction profiles: Pleasure, Guilty-pleasure, Negative-emotional and Anxiety-unpleasant. The Pleasure group reported overall and higher satisfaction and positive emotions towards first sexual intercourse; this group reported lower condom use. The Guilty-pleasure group felt pleasure tinged with guilt and reported fewer same-sex partners. The Negative-emotional profile group tended to feel major negative emotions related to initial coital experience, reporting lower or no pleasure. The Anxiety-unpleasant group reported little pleasure and major anxiety associated with first sexual intercourse. The latter two groups, respectively, reported a higher number of male sexual partners and higher alcohol consumption prior to sexual intercourse compared with the two pleasure groups.Conclusion: These results suggest that women's emotional reactions to first sexual intercourse may be associated with subsequent healthy versus risky sexual behaviours in young adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Potard
- Psychology Laboratory of the Pays de la Loire, Department of Psychology, University of Angers, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Which psychosocial variables affect drive the most? Analysis of sexual desire in a group of Italian men. Int J Impot Res 2019; 31:410-423. [DOI: 10.1038/s41443-018-0105-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
8
|
Sexual Modes Questionnaire (SMQ): Translation and Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Automatic Thought Scale. J Sex Med 2018; 15:396-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
9
|
Neilson EC, Norris J, Bryan AEB, Stappenbeck CA. Sexual Assault Severity and Depressive Symptoms as Longitudinal Predictors of the Quality of Women's Sexual Experiences. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2017; 43:463-478. [PMID: 27390081 PMCID: PMC5219874 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2016.1208127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Depressive symptoms are one consequence of adult/adolescent sexual victimization (ASV) and are linked to sexual health. Female nonproblem drinkers (N = 419) with an ASV history participated in a one-year longitudinal study. Participants completed measures of lifetime ASV severity and four quarterly assessments of depressive symptoms, ASV severity, and sexual experience quality. Multilevel models revealed that depressive symptoms interacted with ASV severity: Women with low-lifetime ASV severity reported higher ratings of sexual pain as depressive symptoms increased. ASV reported during assessment months predicted sexual experience quality. Interventions to improve survivors' sexual experiences should consider incorporating treatment for depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Neilson
- Corresponding author: Elizabeth C. Neilson, MSW, MPH, University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Forbes MK, Baillie AJ, Eaton NR, Krueger RF. A Place for Sexual Dysfunctions in an Empirical Taxonomy of Psychopathology. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2017; 54:465-485. [PMID: 28121167 PMCID: PMC5433908 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2016.1269306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunctions commonly co-occur with various depressive and anxiety disorders. An emerging framework for understanding the classification of mental disorders suggests that such comorbidity is a manifestation of underlying dimensions of psychopathology (or "spectra"). In this review, we synthesize the evidence that sexual dysfunctions should be included in the empirical taxonomy of psychopathology as part of the internalizing spectrum, which accounts for comorbidity among the depressive and anxiety disorders. The review has four parts. Part 1 summarizes the empirical basis and utility of the empirical taxonomy of psychopathology. Part 2 reviews the prima facie evidence for the hypothesis that sexual dysfunctions are part of the internalizing spectrum (i.e., high rates of comorbidity; shared cognitive, affective, and temperament characteristics; common neural substrates and biomarkers; shared course and treatment response; and the lack of causal relationships between them). Part 3 critically analyzes and integrates the results of the eight studies that have addressed this hypothesis. Finally, Part 4 examines the implications of reconceptualizing sexual dysfunctions as part of the internalizing spectrum, and explores avenues for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam K Forbes
- a Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology , University of Minnesota
| | - Andrew J Baillie
- b Centre for Emotional Health and Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use , Macquarie University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brotto LA. Evidence-based treatments for low sexual desire in women. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 45:11-17. [PMID: 28237271 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Low sexual desire is the most common sexual complaint in women, with multinational studies finding that at least a third of women experience low sexual desire. No single etiology for the development of Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder, the diagnosis laid out by the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, has been established. There has been considerable interest in pharmacological approaches to improving low desire, and agents targeting a range of neurotransmitters have been examined. To date, only flibanserin, a centrally acting medication targeting the serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine systems, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite statistically significant effects on sexual desire, sexual distress, and sexually satisfying events, side-effects are significant, and flibanserin is completely contraindicated with alcohol. As such, there has been renewed interest in advancing the science of psychological approaches to low desire, including cognitive behavioral and mindfulness therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori A Brotto
- University of British Columbia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Incompetence Schemas and Sexual Functioning in Heterosexual and Lesbian Women: The Mediator Role of Automatic Thoughts and Affective States During Sexual Activity. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-016-9811-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
13
|
Brotto L, Atallah S, Johnson-Agbakwu C, Rosenbaum T, Abdo C, Byers ES, Graham C, Nobre P, Wylie K. Psychological and Interpersonal Dimensions of Sexual Function and Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2016; 13:538-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|