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Letkiewicz AM, Li LY, Hoffman LMK, Lieberman L, Hsu KJ, Shankman SA. Cognitive inflexibility and heightened error monitoring are related to lower sexual functioning. Int J Psychophysiol 2024; 196:112281. [PMID: 38104774 PMCID: PMC10843768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.112281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Sexual functioning is an important predictor of well-being and relationship satisfaction. Previous research indicates that several aspects of cognitive function are related to sex-related behaviors and functioning among individuals with sex-related disorders, neurological disorders, and in older adults; however, this has been relatively underexamined in younger populations. To examine this, the present study assessed whether behavioral and/or neurophysiological measures of cognitive function are associated with sexual functioning in a community sample of young 489 adults (64 % female) ages 18-30. Cognitive flexibility (n = 460) and inhibition (n = 466) were measured using neuropsychological assessment (D-KEFS), and conflict monitoring and error monitoring were measured by event-related potentials (conflict N2: n = 394; error-related negativity: n = 389). After separately testing relations between the different measures of cognitive function and sexual functioning, we assessed whether results (1) remained after covarying for externalizing and internalizing dimensions (PID-5; n = 489) or (2) varied by gender. Finally, we tested whether any aspects of cognitive function were unique predictors of sexual functioning. Cognitive flexibility and error monitoring (i.e., error-related negativity) were both significantly related to sexual functioning among males and females, such that poorer cognitive flexibility and heightened error monitoring were related to lower sexual functioning. No significant effects emerged for inhibition or conflict monitoring. In a multiple regression model, cognitive flexibility and error monitoring each accounted for a unique portion of variance in sexual functioning beyond other aspects of cognitive function and psychopathology-related traits. Results suggest that cognitive function is a meaningful correlate of sexual functioning in young adulthood, which should be considered further in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Letkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Lilian Y Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lija M K Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lynne Lieberman
- Northwell Health, Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience, and Recovery, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Kevin J Hsu
- Department of Psychological and Social Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, Abington, PA, USA
| | - Stewart A Shankman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Goldberg SY, O'Kane KMK, Fitzpatrick ET, Jang GE, Bouchard KN, Dawson SJ. Associations between Genital Self-Image and Individuals' Own and Perceived Partner Sexual Satisfaction. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:171-181. [PMID: 37909280 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2269915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Negative genital self-image is linked with lower sexual satisfaction, but no research has examined its association with perceptions of partners' sexual satisfaction. In two studies (N = 475, N = 234), we examined links between genital self-image and own and individuals' perceived partner sexual satisfaction. In the second study, we tested whether a mindfulness intervention moderated these associations. In both studies, more negative genital self-image was significantly associated with individuals' lower own and perceived partner sexual satisfaction concurrently and over a two-week period. Mindfulness intervention exposure did not moderate associations. Findings support negative genital self-image as a risk factor for sexual dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Y Goldberg
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kiarah M K O'Kane
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Erin T Fitzpatrick
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Greta E Jang
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Katrina N Bouchard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Samantha J Dawson
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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3
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Jarman HK, Prichard I, Yager Z, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, McLean SA, Damiano S, Krug I, Mitchison D, Fardouly J, Giles S, Hart L. Zooming in: The relationship between appearance concerns and perceived performance whilst videoconferencing among Australian adults. Body Image 2023; 44:170-177. [PMID: 36640689 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Videoconferencing for work/study purposes has increased rapidly due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Given this practice often involves viewing one's own video image, higher appearance concerns whilst videoconferencing may be linked to poorer performance whereby individuals may not feel they are able to engage or have control during a work/study meeting. The present study cross-sectionally examined whether both facial appearance concerns and fear of negative evaluation during videoconferencing for work/study purposes were directly and indirectly related to performance control and engagement, through self-focused attention and appearance distraction. Adult participants (N = 534, Mage = 26.32, SD = 11.08; 78% female) completed an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Path analysis revealed direct and indirect effects, suggesting that heightened appearance self-consciousness was associated with greater self- and appearance-focused attention. In turn, this was related to impaired performance during videoconferencing. Multigroup analyses demonstrated that the magnitude of the proposed correlational effects were comparable across men and women. Given the ongoing reliance on videoconferencing, these findings have important theoretical and practical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Jarman
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia.
| | - Ivanka Prichard
- Health & Exercise Science, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia Institute for Health and Sport, Australia
| | - Zali Yager
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Siân A McLean
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephanie Damiano
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Isabel Krug
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deborah Mitchison
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia; Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Giles
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Laura Hart
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Wright PJ, Tokunaga RS, Herbenick D, Paul B. Pornography, Sexual Insecurity, and Orgasm Difficulty. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:552-561. [PMID: 34323637 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1958985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While recent meta-analyses have provided answers to a number of historically contentious debates about correlates of pornography use, several questions remain unanswered. Whether pornography is associated with sexual functioning is one such question. Informed by theorizing on sexual scripting, social comparisons, and sexual objectification, the present study examined the possibility that pornography is related to orgasm difficulty through sexual insecurity (i.e., insecurity about one's sexual performance and sexual attractiveness). Data were from the National Survey of Porn Use, Relationships, and Sexual Socialization (NSPRSS), a U.S. population-based probability study. There was an indirect effect of pornography consumption frequency on orgasm difficulty through sexual insecurity. Participants who used pornography more frequently reported higher levels of sexual insecurity, and higher levels of sexual insecurity predicted orgasm difficulty. There was also an indirect effect of partner pressure to view pornography on orgasm difficulty. Higher levels of partner pressure to view pornography were associated with higher levels of sexual insecurity, which in turn predicted orgasm difficulty. Results were indistinguishable by gender and maintained after controlling for a number of potential confounds. These findings suggest that some men and women's personal and (pressured) partnered pornography consumption have the potential to increase orgasm difficulty through bodily and performance insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, the School of Public Health, Indiana University
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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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Komlenac N, Hochleitner M. Heterosexual-identified men’s endorsement of masculinity ideologies moderates associations between pornography consumption, body satisfaction and sexual functioning. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2021.1936616] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Komlenac
- Gender Medicine Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Vigil KE, de Jong DC, Poovey KN. Roles of Genital Self-Image, Distraction, and Anxiety in Women's Sexual Pleasure: A Preregistered Study. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 47:325-340. [PMID: 33492188 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1874581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Women with negative genital self-image are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction , but the processes underlying this association are unknown. We theorized that this association is mediated by distraction from the arousing sexual cues that foster pleasure and orgasm . In a sample of 1,619 women who had sex in the previous four weeks, women with negative genital self-image were more likely to be distracted by self-critical concerns (i.e., appearance- and performance-based distraction and embarrassment) during sex, and in turn, experienced less sexual pleasure and worse sexual function. Additionally, this indirect effect via appearance-based distraction was strongest among women with trait-level anxiousness and social anxiety. We found a similar pattern of results when investigating the indirect effect of genital self-image on sexual function. Implications for understanding sexual function and therapeutic approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey E Vigil
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, USA
| | - David C de Jong
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, USA
| | - Kendall N Poovey
- Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, USA
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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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Tavares IM, Moura CV, Nobre PJ. The Role of Cognitive Processing Factors in Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Women and Men: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2020; 8:403-430. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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