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Husain W, Kiran A, Qasim U, Gul S, Iftikhar J. Measuring Sexual Intelligence for Evaluating Sexual Health. Psychol Rep 2024; 127:2608-2630. [PMID: 36640115 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231152388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The current paper reports four consecutive studies that were conducted to link sexual health with a new construct of sexual intelligence by developing and validating a new scale to measure sexual intelligence. Sexual intelligence was defined as "the ability to perceive, understand and respond to sexual needs and desires in a personal and social context." Sexual Intelligence Scale (SIS), comprising of 8 items in English and 2 factors (sexual knowledge & sexual behavior), was developed and validated by involving 959 respondents in the process of 4 consecutive studies. The validity of SIS was tested step by step for its face, content, factorial, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validities. The reliability was measured through internal consistency and item-total & item-scale correlations. The study found significantly higher levels of sexual intelligence in men as compared to women. Sexual intelligence, moreover, had significant positive correlations with age, education, emotional intelligence, social intelligence, sexual health, and satisfaction with life. Sexual health was linked with sexual intelligence and the SIS was accepted as a reliable and valid tool to measure sexual intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Husain
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abeera Kiran
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Umara Qasim
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saleha Gul
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Chivers ML, Zdaniuk B, Lalumière M, Brotto LA. Effects of Group Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy versus Supportive Sex Education on Sexual Concordance and Sexual Response Among Women with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38477943 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2319695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Low interest in sexual activity and impaired sexual response are among women's most frequent sexual concerns. Mindfulness-based treatments improve low sexual desire and arousal and associated distress. One theorized mechanism of change is the cultivation of increased mind-body awareness via greater concordance between psychological and physiological components of sexual response. We examined sexual psychophysiology data from 148 cisgender women randomized to receive mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MCBT: n = 70) or supportive sex education (STEP: n = 78) over eight weekly group sessions. Women completed in-lab assessments of subjective, affective, and genital sexual responses to an erotic film pre- and post-treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Both groups showed positive changes in sexual and affective responses, but these were generally more pronounced for MBCT. MCBT increased sexual concordance to a greater degree, and gains in sexual concordance predicted improvements in sexual distress throughout treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bozena Zdaniuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia
| | | | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia
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Busch TM, Penniston TL, Conrads GS, Dempsey MR, Wilson SM, Chivers ML. A Penny for Your (Sexual) Thoughts: Qualitative Analysis of Women's Self-Described Reactions to Sexual and Nonsexual Stimuli. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3749-3763. [PMID: 35978201 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Women display a wide range of subjective (self-reported), physiological (genital response), and emotional responses to sexual stimuli. Sexual responses are often assessed using quantitative methodologies; qualitative data can corroborate quantitative data and reveal novel information and avenues for discovery for understanding variations in patterns of sexual response. The current study examined women's (n = 148) responses to various sexual and non-sexual stimuli through open-ended, free response thought journals immediately after watching various neutral (nature themed) and sexually explicit video clips (e.g., solitary masturbation, intercourse). A qualitative content analysis of 842 responses was conducted by five independent coders to determine participants' thoughts immediately after viewing stimuli. Prominent themes included: (1) stimulus appraisals; (2) emotional expressions; and (3) self-reflections and disclosures, which further included participants' sexual-self-disclosures; (4) various degrees of sexual arousal (or lack thereof); and (5) sexual and non-sexual desires. Additional analyses include frequencies and comparisons of specific themes between stimulus types. Findings contribute to understanding cognitive and emotional components of sexual response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M Busch
- Human Behavior Faculty, College of Southern Nevada, 700 College Dr., Building B #220, Henderson, NV, 89002, USA.
| | | | - Gretha S Conrads
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mara R Dempsey
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sara M Wilson
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Álvarez-Muelas A, Sierra JC, Gómez-Berrocal C, Arcos-Romero AI, Calvillo C, Granados R. Study of Sexual Concordance in Men and Women with Different Typologies of Adherence to the Sexual Double Standard. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2022; 22:100297. [PMID: 35281774 PMCID: PMC8873603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2022.100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective Sexual concordance (i.e., relationship between genital response and subjective sexual arousal) is higher in men than in women. Among the factors that could explain this difference would be the sexual double standard (SDS). Sexual concordance is examined by SDS typologies of adherence (egalitarian, man-favorable, and woman-favorable). Method During exposure to a film with sexual content, genital response (penile circumference/vaginal pulse amplitude) and self-reported sexual arousal were recorded in 104 young adults (42 men and 62 women), distributed into SDS typologies of adherence on the basis of their scores on the Sexual Double Standard Scale. Results Sexual concordance was obtained in men and women with egalitarian and man-favorable typology. Subjective sexual arousal explained a significant percentage of the variance in genital response in the egalitarian typology (men: R2 = .32, p < .01; women: R2 = .19, p < .05) and man-favorable typology (men: R2 = .21, p < .05; women: R2 = .23, p < .05). Conclusions Agreement between genital responsiveness and subjective sexual arousal depends on DES adherence typology.
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Lalumière ML, Sawatsky ML, Dawson SJ, Suschinsky KD. The Empirical Status of the Preparation Hypothesis: Explicating Women's Genital Responses to Sexual Stimuli in the Laboratory. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:709-728. [PMID: 32026221 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01599-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Research conducted in our laboratory and in other laboratories has revealed that (1) women's genital responses to visual and auditory stimuli are strongly affected by the presence of sexual cues, but that (2) specific sexual cues (e.g., gender of actors, the presence of sexual violence) often have little impact on the magnitude of the responses-that is, similar genital responses are observed to very different sexual stimuli. In addition, (3) women's genital responses do not strongly correspond with self-reported sexual partner and activity preferences, or (4) with self-reported sexual arousal during the presentation of sexual stimuli. Taken together, these facts represent a puzzle, especially considering that men's genital responses are highly affected by specific sexual cues and strongly correspond to stated preferences and self-reported sexual arousal. One hypothesis to explain female low cue-specificity and low concordance (relative to men) is the preparation hypothesis: Women's indiscriminate genital responses serve a protective function. That is, they do not indicate or necessarily promote sexual interest and motivation, but rather prepare the vaginal lumen for possible sexual activity and therefore prevent injuries that may occur as a result of penetration. We review evidence for and against this hypothesis. We conclude that the evidence is favorable but not entirely convincing, and more work is required to reach a firm conclusion. We offer directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Lalumière
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Megan L Sawatsky
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Samantha J Dawson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kelly D Suschinsky
- Substance Abuse and Concurrent Disorders Program, The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Dewitte M. Female Genital Arousal: A Focus on How Rather than Why. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:743-749. [PMID: 32671500 PMCID: PMC8888380 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Dewitte
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel, 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Calvillo C, Sánchez-Fuentes MDM, Sierra JC. An Explanatory Model of Sexual Satisfaction in Adults with a Same-Sex Partner: An Analysis Based on Gender Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3393. [PMID: 32414063 PMCID: PMC7277760 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop an explanatory model of sexual satisfaction in same-sex attracted individuals with a partner, based on personal and interpersonal variables. The participants were 410 men (mean age = 29.24, SD = 9.84) and 410 women (mean age = 29, SD = 8.57) who maintained a relationship with another person of the same sex. Internalized homophobia was considered as a personal variable, and as interpersonal variables, the dimensions of attachment (anxiety and avoidance), sexual functioning, dyadic adjustment, relationship satisfaction, the components of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction, the number of sexual costs and the number of sexual rewards were considered. The degree to which sexual satisfaction was related to these variables was examined separately, for both men and women, through multiple linear regression models within the framework of structural equation models. The results indicated that sexual satisfaction is associated in a negative sense with internalized homophobia, the number of sexual costs, anxiety, and avoidance, and in a positive sense with the remaining variables. Relational variables were more relevant in the explanation of sexual satisfaction. The clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristóbal Calvillo
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain;
| | - María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain;
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of La Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Sierra
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain;
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Handy AB, Freihart BK, Meston CM. The Relationship between Subjective and Physiological Sexual Arousal in Women with and without Arousal Concerns. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2020; 46:447-459. [PMID: 32364044 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2020.1758859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Whereas laboratory studies frequently report low correlations between women's physiological and subjective sexual arousal (i.e., concordance), research employing advanced statistical techniques reveals striking between-person variability in this relationship. Moreover, previous research has shown that interoception (i.e., the awareness of changes within the body) influences concordance in women, though how this effect varies by sexual function is yet unknown. The present study used multilevel modeling to examine concordance in women with (n = 27) and without (n = 28) sexual arousal concerns and explored how concordance varies as a function of interoception. Women viewed a sexual film while their arousal responses were measured and then completed a self-report measure of interoception. A significant relationship emerged between physiological and subjective sexual arousal, in addition to tremendous between-person variability across both groups. Several aspects of interoception moderated concordance (p's between 0.0008 and 0.03), and this pattern varied across groups. Given this variability even in absence of sexual arousal concerns, these findings question the utility of using concordance as a clinical outcome in treatment research. Individual differences in interoception may have implications for treatment matching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel B Handy
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Bridget K Freihart
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Cindy M Meston
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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