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Prekatsounaki S, Loeys T, Enzlin P. Understanding the Ebbs and Flows of Sexual Desire: A Daily Diary Study on the Temporal Associations Between Dyadic Sexual Desire and Partner Interactions. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39254631 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2393378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Sexual desire has often been conceptualized and studied as an individual trait. However, empirical evidence suggests that there is also value in studying it as a state and dyadic construct. Through a daily diary study with a randomized controlled experimental design, we aimed to explore (i) how the roles that partners fulfill in dyadic interactions are associated with daily fluctuations in dyadic sexual desire, (ii) whether these roles can be leveraged to affect sexual desire for one's partner, and (iii) whether effects of partner interactions on dyadic sexual desire vary by gender. In total, 163 mixed-gender couples (N = 326), with a mean age of 30.3 years (SD = 7.95), participated. During 22 consecutive days, participants reported daily on their dyadic sexual desire, as well as on several aspects of their interactions. Couples in the experimental condition additionally received assignments that manipulated their partner interactions. Analyzing our data using Multilevel Modelling techniques for longitudinal dyadic data, we found that daily dyadic sexual desire was associated with what each partner takes, gives, and receives in relation with their affiliation, sexuality and exploration needs. Additionally, women's sexual desire was associated with what their partner reported taking, giving, and receiving during affiliative interactions, and with perceived but not enacted responsiveness to their sexuality and exploration needs. Our results suggest that daily ebbs and flows of sexual desire may be partly explained by temporal changes in interactions between partners, making them possible valuable targets for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Loeys
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Ghent University
| | - Paul Enzlin
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven
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2
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Kovacevic K, Tu E, Rosen NO, Raposo S, Muise A. Is Spontaneous Sex Ideal? Beliefs and Perceptions of Spontaneous and Planned Sex and Sexual Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:246-260. [PMID: 36779790 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2163611] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sexual satisfaction is critical for relationship quality and people hold lay beliefs (implicit theories) about what makes for satisfying sex. A common belief in Western culture is that spontaneous sex is most satisfying, but this idea has not yet been studied. In pre-registered analyses of two studies - a cross sectional (N = 303 individuals) and a 21-day daily experience study (N = 121 couples) - we found support for two distinct beliefs (spontaneous sex as satisfying; planned sex as satisfying). Across both studies, people held stronger beliefs that spontaneous sex is satisfying compared to planned sex, but stronger spontaneous sex beliefs were only associated with higher sexual satisfaction in Study 1. In Study 1, when people perceived their most recent sexual experience as planned (versus spontaneous), they felt less sexually satisfied, but this was not the case for those who endorsed stronger planned sex beliefs. In Study 2, endorsing stronger planned sex beliefs was associated with a partner's lower sexual satisfaction at baseline. There were no associations between perceptions of the extent to which sex was spontaneous and sexual satisfaction at baseline or in daily life. Future research could test whether beliefs about spontaneity and planning have value in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Tu
- Department of Psychology, York University
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
| | | | - Amy Muise
- Department of Psychology, York University
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3
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Arenella K, Girard A, Connor J. Desire discrepancy in long-term relationships: A qualitative study with diverse couples. FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 38234271 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Sexual desire discrepancy is one of the most common, and potentially distressing, aspects of couples' sexual health. There are gaps in the literature exploring desire discrepancy specifically in distressed couples, as well as in queer (sexual and/or gender minority) couples. This study sought to gather qualitative data regarding long-term couples' experiences with distressing desire discrepancy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with both heterosexual and queer partners of varying gender identities (n = 26) to fill these research gaps. Interviews included couple interviews, as well as individual interviews with partners. Data analysis was conducted with thematic analysis, which yielded four primary themes across the course of relationships: Sexual and relationship satisfaction; Changes in sexual frequency, desire, and behavior; Changes in barriers to sex; and Coping with desire discrepancy. Findings can inform clinical interventions focused on desire discrepancy, as well as future research investigating couple's sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Arenella
- California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University - Los Angeles, Alhambra, California, USA
| | - Abby Girard
- Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual & Gender Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer Connor
- Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual & Gender Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Wood ND, Fife ST, Parnell KJ, Ross DB. Answering the ethical call of the other: A test of the Strong Relationality Model of Relationship Flourishing. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2023; 49:186-204. [PMID: 36177671 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The philosophical framework of strong relationality has gained greater attention in scholarship and yet empirically testing models built on this important framework are rare. The present study tests predictions made by the Strong Relationality Model of Relationship Flourishing (SRM), which centers on the role of Ethical Responsiveness for relationship health. In doing so, we introduce common fate modeling as a methodological approach for strong relationality research. We used longitudinal data from 1512 couples collected as part of the German longitudinal panel study of families. Results support the Strong Relationality Model's prediction that Ethical Responsiveness (as measured by perceived partner support) positively alters the impact of stress on Gratitude-Recognition (elements of the Responsible Action domain of the SRM), which then increases couples' intimacy (an element of the Relational-Connectivity domain of the SRM). Recommendations for clinical assessment and intervention are given as well as recommendations for future research on the Strong Relationality Model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Wood
- Department of Family Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Stephen T Fife
- Community, Family, & Addiction Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Kenneth J Parnell
- Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, USA
| | - D Bruce Ross
- Department of Family Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Prekatsounaki S, Enzlin P. Luring the Elusive: Narratives about Sexual Desire for One's Partner by Women and Men in Heterosexual Romantic Relationships. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022:1-18. [PMID: 36562453 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2158975] [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
In this qualitative study, we explored women's and men's experience of sexual desire for their romantic partner and its link to dyadic interactions. During interviews and focus group discussions, our participants described sexual desire as 'elusive', 'conditional', 'responsive' and 'malleable'. The subtheme 'elusive' refers to sexual desire having a will of its own, while the remaining three refer to prerequisites for, triggers of, and strategies for enhancing sexual desire respectively. These subthemes come together in the overarching narrative 'luring the elusive', which articulates one's responsibility to accommodate sexual desire for one's partner, but also the necessity to acknowledge its elusiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Prekatsounaki
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Enzlin
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Mateizer A, Roșca AC, Avram E. Sexual Self-Concept Differentiation: An Exploratory Analysis of Online and Offline Self-Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19126979. [PMID: 35742229 PMCID: PMC9223279 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19126979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Self-concept differentiation (SCD) has been of interest to researchers, mainly as a structural concept indicative of social specialization or self-concept fragmentation. Nevertheless, this aspect of self-representation has not been studied in regard to sexuality and the extent to which the sexual self may vary across different roles or situations. With the emergence of the Internet, people found new opportunities to explore and express aspects of their sexuality in multiple online scenes, thus increasing the complexity of human sexual experience and expanding the reach of sexual identity. The aim of this study is to investigate SCD in relation to the sexual self-concept, as experienced in the online and offline environments, and its effects on sexual identity, sexual satisfaction and online sexual behaviors. Data analysis pointed towards a fragmented self-view with high degrees of differentiation between the online and offline sexual self-instances being linked to a weaker sense of sexual identity, less sexual satisfaction in real life and less partnered online interactions. However, there were some indications that these relationships were influenced by how people perceive themselves sexually in one instance compared to the other. The results obtained in this study encourage further research on SCD as an important factor in understanding the real-world consequences of online sexual expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Mateizer
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andra Cătălina Roșca
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Political Sciences, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, 012104 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Eugen Avram
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania;
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Prekatsounaki S, Gijs L, Enzlin P. Dyadic Sexual Desire in Romantic Relationships: The Dyadic Interactions Affecting Dyadic Sexual Desire Model. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:417-440. [PMID: 35031906 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02165-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In most theoretical models, sexual desire for one's partner is predominantly conceptualized from an individual perspective. There is, however, a growing body of empirical evidence on the dyadic aspects of sexual desire. That evidence is as yet not well-integrated into theoretical conceptualizations of sexual desire. Aiming to fill this gap, we present the Dyadic Interactions Affecting DyadIC Sexual desire model (DIADICS), a new conceptual model inspired by systems theory that describes how dyadic interactions between partners influence dyadic sexual desire in romantic relationships. After defining dyadic sexual desire, we discuss (1) the structure of dyadic interactions, (2) their content, and (3) the process through which they affect dyadic sexual desire in a romantic relationship. Thereafter, we review theoretical, clinical, and empirical insights underscoring the relation between dyadic interactions and (dyadic) sexual desire, use DIADICS as a framework for understanding fluctuations in dyadic sexual desire in long-term relationships, and conclude by discussing implications of DIADICS for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Prekatsounaki
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 - blok g - bus 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Luk Gijs
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 - blok g - bus 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Enzlin
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 - blok g - bus 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Clinical Sexology and Sex Therapy, University Psychiatric Centre, Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Allsop DB, Price AA, Hanna-Walker V, Leavitt CE, Milius EH, Driggs SM. Longitudinal associations between attachment, differentiation of self, and couple sexual and relational outcomes. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2021.2003320] [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: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David B. Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Amber A. Price
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Veronica Hanna-Walker
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Emily H. Milius
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Shayla M. Driggs
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
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Maxwell JA, Meltzer AL. Kiss and Makeup? Examining the Co-occurrence of Conflict and Sex. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2883-2892. [PMID: 32651881 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01779-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although conflict and sex frequently occur in relationships, little research has examined their interconnectedness. Some evidence suggests their co-occurrence can benefit relationships, whereas other evidence suggests the opposite. We sought to clarify such contrasting evidence by conducting a dyadic daily-diary study of 107 newlywed couples that included a 6-month follow-up assessment. Although conflict (operationalized as one partner doing something the other did not like) was unassociated with the likelihood of sex on a given day, it predicted a lower likelihood the following day. Moreover, despite the fact that sex co-occurring with (vs. occurring independent of) conflict was less enjoyable, it partially reduced the negative effects of conflict on both spouses' daily relationship quality. The extent to which sex and conflict co-occurred was unassociated with intimates' changes in marital satisfaction 6 months later. The implications of engaging in post-conflict sex are nuanced: although such sex is less enjoyable, it temporarily buffers relationship quality in that moment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Maxwell
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Andrea L Meltzer
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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10
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Brown J. The potent cocktail of love, intimacy, sex, and power: an assessment pyramid for couples therapy. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2019.1682540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jac Brown
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Rodríguez-González M, Schweer-Collins M, Skowron EA, Jódar R, Cagigal V, Major SO. Stressful Life Events and Physical and Psychological Health: Mediating Effects of Differentiation of Self in a Spanish Sample. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2019; 45:578-591. [PMID: 30239996 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The pathways between differentiation of self and health remain only partly elucidated. This cross-cultural study sought to test Bowen's hypothesis about the associations between differentiation, stressful life events, and physical and psychological health, in a sample of 466 Spanish adults. Results show that people with higher levels of differentiation were less prone to physical ailments (e.g., heart disease, cancer, or blood disorders) and psychological symptoms (e.g., depression or anxiety). Further, differentiation mediated the association between stress (i.e., perceived negativity of stress in the past year and number of stressful events across the lifetime) and physical and psychological health. The current research provides cross-cultural empirical evidence for the links between differentiation and mind and body health in a Mediterranean culture.
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Jones AC, Johnson NC, Wenglein S, Elshershaby ST. The State of Sex Research in MFT and Family Studies Literature: A Seventeen-Year Content Analysis. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2019; 45:275-295. [PMID: 30009425 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The ability to conceptualize and treat sexual problems has been widely accepted as a crucial skill to master the MFT training. However, clients' sexual relationships are often ignored by clinicians because of a lack of experience or training, or personal discomfort. In this content analysis, we review sex and sex therapy research within MFT and family studies journals since the turn of the century. Of the 13,919 articles published within the 15 journals, 137 focused on sexuality or sex therapy. The articles were divided into five themes: sexual and relational health, sexual diversity, treatment and contributors of sexual dysfunction, sex therapy practices, and sexual education and development. Implications for clinical practices, sex therapy integration, and future research are discussed.
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13
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Rodríguez-González M, Martins MV, Bell CA, Lafontaine MF, Costa ME. Differentiation of Self, Psychological Distress, and Dyadic Adjustment: Exploring an Integrative Model Through an Actor–Partner Analysis. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-019-09493-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Nimbi FM, Tripodi F, Rossi R, Navarro-Cremades F, Simonelli C. Male Sexual Desire: An Overview of Biological, Psychological, Sexual, Relational, and Cultural Factors Influencing Desire. Sex Med Rev 2019; 8:59-91. [PMID: 30803921 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The literature showed the need for a better understanding of the male sexual response, which has historically been considered as simpler and more mechanistic compared with that in women. AIM To examine the literature on biopsychosocial factors associated with the level of sexual desire in men and discuss some interesting directions for future research. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 169 articles published in Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library about male sexual desire and related biopsychosocial factors. RESULTS We found a lack of multidimensional studies on male sexual desire. Most existing research has focused on hypoactive sexual desire disorder in coupled heterosexual men. Biological factors play important roles in the level of sexual desire, but they are insufficient to explain the male sexual response. Psychological, relational, and sexual factors (eg depression, anxiety, emotions, attraction, conflicts, communication, sexual functioning, distress, satisfaction) are involved in the development/maintenance of lack of sexual interest in men. Cultural influence is also relevant, with cognitive factors linked to gender roles and sexual scripts of masculinity identified as important predictors of low sexual desire. CONCLUSION Male sexual desire is characterized by an interplay among biological, psychological, sexual, relational, and cultural elements. This interplay merits further study to better understand how sexual desire works and how treatments for low sexual interest could be improved. Nimbi FM,Tripodi F, Rossi R, et al. Male Sexual Desire: An Overview of Biological, Psychological, Sexual, Relational, and Cultural Factors Influencing Desire. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:59-91.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Nimbi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Chiara Simonelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome, Italy
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Prekatsounaki S, Janssen E, Enzlin P. In Search of Desire: The Role of Intimacy, Celebrated Otherness, and Object-of-Desire Affirmation in Sexual Desire in Women. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2019; 45:414-423. [PMID: 30741607 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2018.1549633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
While the interactive nature of sexual desire in women is increasingly recognized, dyadic factors affecting it, including partner interactions, have as yet received little research attention. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the associations among intimacy, celebrated otherness, and object-of-desire affirmation and explored how they complement each other in the prediction of sexual desire in women. Based on the reports of 662 participants, positive correlations were found among all factors. However, in a multiple regression analysis, object-of-desire affirmation emerged as the only positive predictor of sexual desire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Prekatsounaki
- a Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences , University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Erick Janssen
- a Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences , University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Paul Enzlin
- a Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences , University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
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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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Witherow MP, Chandraiah S, Seals SR, Sarver DE, Parisi KE, Bugan A. Relational Intimacy Mediates Sexual Outcomes Associated With Impaired Sexual Function: Examination in a Clinical Sample. J Sex Med 2017; 14:843-851. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.04.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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18
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Ferreira LC, Narciso I, Novo RF, Pereira CR. Partners' Similarity in Differentiation of Self is Associated With Higher Sexual Desire: A Quantitative Dyadic Study. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2016; 42:635-47. [PMID: 26569544 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2015.1113584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between sexual desire and differentiation of self in couples has been frequently discussed in clinical literature but lacks empirical support. This exploratory study investigates the associations between individual and dyadic levels of sexual desire, differentiation of self, and couple satisfaction. Similarities and discrepancies in sexual desire and differentiation of self between partners were especially targeted. Partners were expected to have a lower discrepancy of differentiation of self than unrelated individuals (Bowen's similarity hypothesis). Partners' discrepancy in differentiation of self was expected to be negatively associated with sexual desire, and higher levels of sexual desire and differentiation in the dyad were expected be positively associated with couple satisfaction. Results suggest that partners' similarity regarding differentiation of self predicted individual sexual desire. Other findings suggest that couple satisfaction was positively associated with both sexual desire and differentiation of self. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Narciso
- a Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
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Witherow MP, Chandraiah S, Seals SR, Bugan A. Relational Intimacy and Sexual Frequency: A Correlation or a Cause? A Clinical Study of Heterosexual Married Women. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2015; 42:277-286. [PMID: 25826641 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2015.1033574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Researchers and practitioners have noted the importance of using clinical samples in sex therapy research. This study investigated the relationship between perceived levels of marital intimacy, sexual frequency, and sexual functioning among heterosexual married women. A clinical sample of 67 women completed the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), the Miller Social Intimacy Test (MSI), the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W), the Inclusion of the Other in the Self Scale (IOS), and the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI-6). Data analyses revealed that marital intimacy acted as a predictor in univariate relationships on sexual frequency and sexual functioning but did not act as a mediator on sexual frequency and sexual functioning. Overall, these findings may further the discussion in the treatment of relational intimacy, sexual desire discrepancy, and female sexual dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Parkanyi Witherow
- a Watershed Counseling Associates , PLLC , Jackson , Mississippi , USA , and Reformed Theological Seminary , Jackson , Mississippi , USA
- b Reformed Theological Seminary , Jackson , Mississippi , USA
| | - Shambhavi Chandraiah
- c Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior , University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson , Mississippi , USA
| | - Samantha R Seals
- d Center of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics , University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson , Mississippi , USA
| | - Antal Bugan
- e Department of Behavioral Sciences, Medical and Health Science Centre , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
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