1
|
Bockaj A, Muise MD, Belu CF, Rosen NO, O'Sullivan LF. Under Pressure: Men's and Women's Sexual Performance Anxiety in the Sexual Interactions of Adult Couples. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38848469 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2357587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Most research on sexual performance anxiety has focused on men's experiences and links to erectile functioning and premature ejaculation, with little research attention given to women's experiences or to relationship dynamics. At times, sexual performance anxiety has been examined in the context of dysfunction, but rarely as a focus in its own right. Study 1 asked 51 participants reporting sexual performance anxiety to describe the cognitive and affective components of their experiences, coping strategies, and perceived impact on their relationship using open-ended responses from online surveys. Through directed content analysis, Study 1 revealed that men and women experience a range of cognitive and affective processes with predominant feelings of inadequacy, and overall promoting more approach coping strategies. Study 2 used quantitative surveys to examine whether sexual performance anxiety was associated with higher sexual distress and lower sexual and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 228 community-based couples. Guided by the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, multilevel modeling analyses indicated that higher sexual performance anxiety was linked to higher sexual distress and lower sexual and relationship satisfaction in both individuals and their partners. This work advances knowledge of sexual performance anxiety to women's experiences, not just men's, and to couples' experiences. Effective treatment for those suffering from this anxiety may incorporate education around sexual beliefs and expectations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Bockaj
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick
| | - Megan D Muise
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schwenck GC, Bergeron S, Huberman JS, Oliveira H, Impett EA, Rosen NO. Comparing Responses to Sexual Rejection and Sexual and Relationship Well-Being in Couples Coping with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder and Community Couples. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38051273 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2282617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Four distinct partner responses to sexual rejection - sexual advances that are declined by a partner - have been identified. This study assessed the frequency of these responses between and within North American couples coping with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD) and community couples and - in line with the Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Model - compared the associations between responses to sexual rejection and sexual and relationship well-being across the two samples. Individuals with SIAD and their partners (n = 241) and community couples (n = 105) completed online measures of sexual rejection responses, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, sexual distress, sexual frequency, and relationship satisfaction. Results showed that after accounting for sexual rejection frequency, individuals with SIAD and their partners reported greater resentful and insecure partner responses to sexual rejection than individuals in the community sample, and individuals with SIAD perceived less understanding responses than their own partners reported. For both groups, more understanding and less resentful and insecure responses were associated with greater sexual and relationship well-being. Clinicians might encourage couples to reflect on their rejection responses and to shift to more helpful ways of responding to sexual rejection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Emily A Impett
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IWK Health Centre
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moura CV, Vasconcelos PC, Carrito ML, Tavares IM, Teixeira PM, Nobre PJ. The Role of Men's Sexual Beliefs on Sexual Function/Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:989-1003. [PMID: 37270770 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2218352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive models of sexual dysfunction postulate that inflexible, unrealistic, and erroneous sexual beliefs work as a vulnerability factor for the development of sexual dysfunctions and existing studies give some support to this hypothesis. However, to date, there is no published systematic review of studies testing the association between men's sexual beliefs and sexual functioning. This systematic review was conducted from searches using EBSCO, PubMed, and Web of Science databases identifying peer-reviewed studies and gray literature sources from inception to November 2021. Twenty cross-sectional studies, assessing correlations between the degree of endorsement of sexual beliefs and sexual functioning and comparing endorsement of sexual beliefs in men with and without sexual problems were included. Despite the small effect sizes, results indicate that higher endorsement of inflexible/unrealistic/erroneous sexual beliefs is associated with poorer sexual functioning and that men presenting with sexual problems tend to report higher endorsement of these sexual beliefs. Further research with clinical samples as well as longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the ways these associations emerge and develop. The state of evidence on this research topic, including gaps and limitations, is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina V Moura
- Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto
| | - Priscila C Vasconcelos
- Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto
| | - Mariana L Carrito
- Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto
| | - Inês M Tavares
- Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto
| | - Pedro M Teixeira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory
| | - Pedro J Nobre
- Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beaulieu N, Brassard A, Bergeron S, Péloquin K. Why do you have sex and does it make you feel better? Integrating attachment theory, sexual motives, and sexual well-being in long-term couples. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2022; 39:3753-3774. [PMID: 36398166 PMCID: PMC9660262 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221108759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Attachment theory postulates that three behavioral systems are central to optimal couple functioning: attachment, caregiving, and sex. However, few studies have examined the concurrent contribution of these systems to understand sexual well-being. This daily diary study examined the intermediary role of attachment- and caregiving-related sexual motives in the associations linking attachment insecurities and positive and negative emotions during sexual activity in 149 long-term mixed-gender/sex couples. Multilevel analyses revealed that individuals higher in attachment avoidance endorsed less caregiving sexual motives, which was associated with their own more negative emotional experience during sexual activity. Individuals higher in attachment anxiety endorsed more attachment sexual motives, which was associated with their own and their partner's more negative emotional experience during sex. However, individuals higher in attachment anxiety also concurrently endorsed more caregiving sexual motives, which predicted their own and their partner's more positive emotional experience during sex. Overall, the findings support the associations between the attachment, caregiving, and sexual behavioral systems and suggest that engaging in sex as a way to care for one's partner might foster sexual well-being in long-term couples.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sexual Desire and Body Image. Gender Differences and Correlations before and during COVID-19 Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074351. [PMID: 35410031 PMCID: PMC8998239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Recent literature has extensively examined sexual behavior during lockdown due to COVID-19. However, there are no recent studies that have considered the relationship between body image quality, sexual arousability, and sexual anxiety. The present study has two main objectives: (1) to examine gender differences in bodily and sexual experience; and (2) the comparison of bodily and sexual experience, before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. A total of 301 adult subjects (161 women and 140 men) aged between 16 and 73 years (Mean = 37.4; S.D. = 10.3) participated in the study. Data on biographical information were collected via an online panel. The Body Uneasiness Test (BUT) and the Sexual Arousability Inventory (SAI) were used for the assessment. Univariate ANOVA showed worse scores for women, compared with men, in terms of body image avoidance, depersonalization, overall severity of body image quality, sexual arousability, and sexual anxiety dimensions. When compared against time, only women showed significant correlations between the function of sexual arousal and all parameters concerning body image alteration. Interestingly, these correlations were weak and sporadic before lockdown, but strong and numerous during lockdown. This finding suggests that the impact of COVID-19 restrictions affected the female population more, with a profound repercussion on self-image and sexual and mental well-being.
Collapse
|
6
|
Anxiety in Attachment and Sexual Relationships in Adolescence: A Moderated Mediation Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074181. [PMID: 35409864 PMCID: PMC8998572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is characterized by several transformations, such as identity construction, progressive estrangement from parents, relational interest in peers, and body changes that also involve sexuality issues. In this process, attachment patterns play a fundamental role in relationships, and when these are dysfunctional, they can result in internalizing and externalizing problems. Often, females show their relational difficulties through internalizing expressions and males through externalizing expressions. Additionally, given the sexual progress involved in this life moment, psychological symptomatology may influence adolescents’ perception of sex and performance. Our purpose is to study the mediating role of internalizing and externalizing symptomatology in the relationship between attachment patterns and sexual and psychological dimensions. In addition, we investigated the moderating effect of the sex assigned at birth on this mediation model. n = 493 adolescents (38.3% males; Mage = 16.51; SD = 1.17) participated in the study. The results show a significant mediation effect of internalizing symptomatology on the relationship between attachment and sexual anxiety. Additionally, this effect is moderated significantly by assigned-at-birth sex. These results confirm that in adolescence, attachment patterns can influence adolescents’ perception of sex. The connection between these two psychological dimensions is influenced by symptomatologic expression. Further investigations are needed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lafortune D, Girard M, Bolduc R, Boislard MA, Godbout N. Insecure Attachment and Sexual Satisfaction: A Path Analysis Model Integrating Sexual Mindfulness, Sexual Anxiety, and Sexual Self-Esteem. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 48:535-551. [PMID: 34879210 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.2011808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the intermediary role of three variables (sexual mindfulness, sexual anxiety, and sexual self-esteem) in a path analysis model to explain the association between insecure attachment and sexual satisfaction. A community sample of 543 adults completed an online survey. Results supported our hypothesized integrative model, which explained 44.1% of the variance in sexual satisfaction and presented satisfactory fit indices. This study suggests that the association between attachment insecurities and lower sexual satisfaction could be partially explained by a proximal association with lower sexual mindfulness, which emphasizes the relevance of examining sexual mindfulness during the screening and treatment of people presenting low sexual satisfaction.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2021.2011808 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Lafortune
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Marianne Girard
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Roxanne Bolduc
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Marie-Aude Boislard
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Natacha Godbout
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kotiuga J, Yampolsky MA, Martin GM. Adolescents' Perception of Their Sexual Self, Relational Capacities, Attitudes Towards Sexual Pleasure and Sexual Practices: a Descriptive Analysis. J Youth Adolesc 2021; 51:486-498. [PMID: 34855025 PMCID: PMC8637511 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-021-01543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Positive psychosexual development in adolescence is crucial to sexual health. Evidence suggests that adolescent's psychosexual development is influenced by the sexual self-concept, relational skills, attitudes toward sexual pleasure, and sexual practices. To date, however, understanding of normative dispositions and experiences that positively shape adolescents' psychosexual development remains limited. The goal of the study was to provide a descriptive analysis of adolescents' perceptions of their sexual self, relational skills, and attitudes towards sexual pleasure as well as their sexual practices while considering age and gender differences. A Canadian sample of 1584 adolescents (49.7% girls, 49.4% boys and 0.9% gender diverse) aged 14 to 18 years old (M = 15.53, SD = 0.93) completed a self-reported questionnaire evaluating various aspects of sexuality and sexual practices. Results indicated that most youth are sexually active through autoerotic or partnered sexual practices, and that positive perceptions towards the sexual self, relational capacities and pleasure increase with age. Moreover, compared to girls, boys presented a more positive sexual self-concept, less positive perceptions of their relational skills and they were more likely to report autoerotic sexual practices. Cluster analysis supported classifying adolescents into the following profiles: positive, mildly positive, mildly negative and negative perception of the sexual self and sexuality. These profiles varied according to sexual practices, gender and age. This study provides further insight into general patterns and heterogeneity of adolescents' sexuality that are relevant for adapting sexuality education and sexual health intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Kotiuga
- School of psychology, Université Laval, 2325 rue de l'Université, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Maya A Yampolsky
- School of psychology, Université Laval, 2325 rue de l'Université, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Geneviève M Martin
- School of psychology, Université Laval, 2325 rue de l'Université, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Arianfar N, Rasuli R, Hosseinian S, Etemadi O. Marital Interpersonal Pathologies Questionnaire for Women with Attachment Anxiety Symptoms: Development and Validation. JOURNAL OF COUPLE & RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15332691.2021.1945517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nayere Arianfar
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Rasuli
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simin Hosseinian
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ozra Etemadi
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lafortune D, Canivet C, Boislard MA, Godbout N. Validation of a brief French version of the sexual anxiety scale. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.2020-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although sexual anxiety (SA) is associated with significant sexual and relationship difficulties, to date, we lack brief scales to adequately assess SA. The aim of the present study was to develop a brief and reliable French version of the Sexual Anxiety Scale (SAS) that can be used to screen the manifestations of SA and their severity. A community sample ( n = 576) was recruited to investigate the reliability and validity of the brief form of the scale (SAS-BF). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the original three-factor model (SAS) and on the new, four-factor SAS-BF. Its convergent validity was tested with theoretically relevant correlates (e.g., anxiety, sexual satisfaction). The SAS-BF yielded strong psychometric properties in terms of factor structure and reliability, and was reasonably correlated with associated variables. SAS-BF can be considered a valid short scale to assess SA in studies where a brief form of the questionnaire is desirable or during clinical screening with patients experiencing variable levels of SA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Lafortune
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cloé Canivet
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Aude Boislard
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Natacha Godbout
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dèttore D, Angelo NL, Marazziti D, Mucci F, Prestia D, Pozza A. A Pilot Study of Gender Differences in Sexual Arousal of Patients With OCD: The Moderator Roles of Attachment and Contamination Symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:609989. [PMID: 33643081 PMCID: PMC7902707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.609989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual arousal is often impaired in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, little is known about the factors related to this impairment: no study focused on the role of gender-based effects of attachment styles and contamination symptoms. The Dual Control Model assumes three processes driving sexual arousal: sexual excitation (SE), sexual inhibition (SI) due to threat of performance failure, and SI due to threat of performance consequences (e.g., getting contaminated with sexually transmitted diseases). In a group of OCD patients, we hypothesized that (a) women report lower SE and higher SI than men; (b) patients with insecure (both anxious and avoidant) attachment styles show lower SE and higher SI; (c) attachment styles moderate the relation between gender and sexual arousal (respectively, for women, higher attachment anxiety, and for men higher attachment avoidance were related to impaired sexual arousal (higher SE and SI) controlling for OCD severity); and (d) contamination symptoms moderate the relation between gender and sexual impairment (women with contamination symptoms show impaired sexual arousal). Seventy-two OCD patients (37.50% women) completed the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised, Attachment Styles Questionnaire and Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales. In contrast with our hypotheses, women reported higher SE and lower SI due to threat of performance consequences than men. Patients with higher attachment avoidance (discomfort with intimacy) but also confidence in self and others had higher SE. Women with attachment avoidance (i.e., discomfort with intimacy) had lower SE, while women with attachment anxiety (i.e., preoccupations with relationships) had higher SI due to negative performance consequences. Women with contamination symptoms had higher SI due to performance failure but lower SI due to performance consequences. The present preliminary findings suggest that sexual arousal impairment should be evaluated during the assessment of OCD patients, and gender-based effects of attachment styles and contamination symptoms should be considered during personalized treatment planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Dèttore
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- UniCamillus - Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Prestia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pozza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|