Showing papers in "Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 1976"
TL;DR: Evaluation of the increase in predictive efficiency associated with use of the DSFI in this context revealed it to be of marked value in the clinical assessment of male potency disorders.
Abstract: The present study was oriented to discriminating impotence of biogenic origins from that with a psychogenic etiology on the basis of a psychological inventory— the DSFI. Subjects for the study were 14 males who presented with impotence clearly related to organic causes and a matched group of 14 males with impotence of psychogenic origins. Comparisons of scores on the eight subtests of the DSFI revealed psychogenic males to have significantly higher scores on two subscales—Experience and Gender Role Definition. The latter showed psychogenic males to have hypermasculine role definitions, and a cutting-score analysis revealed an 89% correct etiologic assignment on the basis of the gender role variable. A detailed analysis of the Symptoms subtest indicated that psychogenically impotent males also showed markedly reduced scores on the Phobic Anxiety dimension. Results were interpreted in the context of gender role research, and a dynamic hypothesis suggesting that counterphobic mechanisms may be centr...
67 citations
TL;DR: It has not been established that homosexual men are characterized by abnormalities in plasma testosterone, and current pharmacological research does not furnish specific evidence, that the administration of androgens or preparations that stimulate the secretion of endogenous androgens have beneficial effects on functional impotence.
Abstract: The scope of this article will be a review and brief discussion of recently gathered information on androgens and sexual behavior in men. It will include experimental observations on the covariance between androgens, mainly testosterone, and sexual functioning in normal heterosexual men and studies on sexual dysfunction and homosexual behavior. The effects of castration, hypogonadal conditions, hormonal replacement, and endogenous testosterone variations on sexual behavior are examined. Further psychoendocrine studies, are necessary to evaluate the role of gonadal hormone production in impotency. Current pharmacological research does not furnish specific evidence, that the administration of androgens or preparations that stimulate the secretion of endogenous androgens have beneficial effects on functional impotence. After reviewing the studies on male homosexuality and androgen levels, the article concludes that it has not been established that homosexual men are characterized by abnormalities in...
67 citations
TL;DR: A case is made for the use of vaginal pressure pulse as a primary measure, vaginal blood volume as a secondary measure, correlations between subjective and objective measures of sexual arousal, and intercorrelations between various subjective affect scales.
Abstract: The viability of psychophysiology as an assessment approach for female sexual function and dysfunction revolves around physiological measurement issues, subjective measurement issues, and the nature of the sexual difficulty. Recent data are presented and discussed as are the potentials and limitations inherent in a psychophysiological study of human sexuality. A case is made for the use of vaginal pressure pulse as a primary measure, vaginal blood volume as a secondary measure, correlations between subjective and objective measures of sexual arousal, and intercorrelations between various subjective affect scales.
42 citations
TL;DR: Responses indicated that, on the average, the strength and degree of gratification provided by an orgasm is not related to the method of induction or to the subjective localization of the pulsating sensations.
Abstract: This paper reports on a 195-subject pilot study of female sexual responses. The questionnaire used in the study is described, and the data obtained are discussed and integrated with established research and theory. Discussion focuses on the relatively low frequency with which women actually experience orgasm in sexual relations and the need to understand the reasons for this phenomenon. The concept of the normality of this varied capacity for orgasm is presented in contrast to the usual tendency to evaluate female responses by male standards. Several sexual patterns and different types of orgasms in the female are identified, and the relationship between the type of responses perceived and various other factors is discussed. Responses indicated that, on the average, the strength and degree of gratification provided by an orgasm is not related to the method of induction or to the subjective localization of the pulsating sensations.
36 citations
TL;DR: It now appears that a specific deeply satisfying and terminative female orgasm is associated with a particular type of respiratory pattern and intrauterine pressure change.
Abstract: A review of some experiments in human coital physiology in the home setting considers their possible value to the sex therapist. Blood pressure changes are described in normal subjects with reference to their relevance in patients with heart disease or high blood pressure. Respiratory patterns and intravaginal and intrauterine pressure changes are described during coitus, and their significance in different types of female orgasm are discussed. It now appears that a specific deeply satisfying and terminative female orgasm is associated with a particular type of respiratory pattern and intrauterine pressure change. The use of radiotelemetry devices to measure pressure and pH changes during coitus makes home studies possible. Further projects and areas for future study are considered.
28 citations
TL;DR: The maritally-adjusted group was always more accurate than the other two groups in their predictions, however, they were significantly more accurate only for selected areas of interaction.
Abstract: This study investigated the ability of maritally-adjusted couples, couples attaining a divorce, and couples in counseling to predict the rewarding effects of their behavior on their spouse. Twenty-six couples, five obtaining a divorce, nine in counseling, and twelve adjusted couples completed a Marital Interaction Questionnaire in which they rated how rewarding each of the behaviors depicted was to them. Then each member predicted how rewarding it was to their spouse. Behaviors depicting six areas of marital interaction were included in the questionnaire. The computed perceptual accuracy scores were analyzed by a three-way classification–Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)–for unequal n's. This analysis yielded a significant main effect of marital status and a significant interaction between marital status by sex of spouse and between marital status by area of interaction. The maritally-adjusted group was always more accurate than the other two groups in their predictions, however, they were significant...
25 citations
TL;DR: A rapid treatment approach to common sexual dysfunctions has been used in treating 59 couples, including 74 symptomatic individuals, using a multidisciplinary team approach in an intensive 2 1/2 day workshop format.
Abstract: A rapid treatment approach to common sexual dysfunctions has been used in treating 59 couples, including 74 symptomatic individuals. Using a multidisciplinary team approach in an intensive 21/2 day workshop format, symptom improvement has been obtained in 86.5% of the dysfunctional individuals, with complete symptom reversal in 63.5%. The intensive workshop format has resulted in a saving of both patient and professional time and is seen as a viable and successful alternative to more time-consuming approaches of treating various sexual dysfunctions.
20 citations
TL;DR: These guidelines, presented in this paper, provide a framework for reliable investigations to determine which treatments work best for which patients with which sexual dysfunctions.
Abstract: Clinical advances in the treatment of human sexual dysfunctions must be documented by objective and scientific assessments of changes in patients as a result of the therapy. The principle guidelines for evaluating such changes include (1) the use of standard methods of interviewing patients and recording information obtained, both before and after treatment, (2) careful specification of treatment technique(s) used, standardized when applied to any group of patients, (3) assessment of patients' psychosocial as well as sexual functioning, (4) clearly defined criteria for diagnosis and outcome, (5) use of control or comparison groups, and (6) methodical in-person follow-up contacts. The procedures can be applied by clinicians in their individual practice as well as by independent evaluation programs. These guidelines, presented in this paper, provide a framework for reliable investigations to determine which treatments work best for which patients with which sexual dysfunctions.
17 citations
TL;DR: Data from two experiments and a case study are presented to illustrate the application of biofeedback in both facilitation and suppression of penile responding.
Abstract: Laboratory techniques are now available for measurement of both male and female genital engorgement during sexual arousal. When laboratory subjects are given information on their rate and amplitude of tumescence (biofeedback), they appear to acquire greater voluntary control of the response. Data from two experiments and a case study are presented to illustrate the application of biofeedback in both facilitation and suppression of penile responding. A PhD student is currently conducting analogous research with female subjects. Clinicians are cautioned against careless application of biofeedback techniques for the treatment of erectile inadequacies.
13 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that overall discrepancy scores may be an important indicator of stress between partners and marital therapy patients obtained significantly higher discrepancy scores than sexual therapy patients.
Abstract: While investigators often have commented about discrepancies in the way a husband and a wife view the same marriage, little attention has been devoted to the implications such discrepancies have for marital and family therapy. As part of a continuing study of the differences between couples who seek marital therapy and those who seek sexual dysfunction therapy, this report examines these two clinical populations on the dimension of discrepant views of the marriage. Our results suggest that overall discrepancy scores may be an important indicator of stress between partners. In particular areas, however, such as rating the quality of the marriage, specific complaints about the marriage, and concerns about male sexual difficulties, marital therapy patients obtained significantly higher discrepancy scores than sexual therapy patients.
12 citations
TL;DR: Results indicated that both gender and previous experience have significant effects on the structure of the basic sexual behavior hierarchy, and while both variables influenced the hierarchy, effects were complex, and often mediated by additional factors.
Abstract: The present study sought to assess the influence of gender and previous sexual experience regarding the structure of the basic sexual behavior hierarchy. Results indicated that both gender and previous experience have significant effects. Overall, gender appeared to have a less substantial effect than previous experience, being more noteworthy for the similarities manifest between males and females than the few differences observed. Previous experience displayed a substantial effect, particularly in the upper portion of the hierarchy, with like-experienced groups showing marked similarity in their hierarchy patterns. Several significant gender-experience interactions were found regarding oral-genital behaviors, and a general trend was observed for females indicating negative appreciation from pre to postexperience. Males revealed positive appreciation from pre to postexperience on all but the most basic sexual behaviors. Conclusions were to the effect that while both variables influenced the hier...
TL;DR: Results of the data support the hypothesis that communication is possible between generations, and assists rather than inhibits the development of an adult identity.
Abstract: This paper describes a unique, 2-day experiential program in sex education for adolescents and their families. The program is adapted from a similar teaching program for medical students and is a highly focused, intense emotional experience wherein participants are presented, via a multimedia approach, with a planned sequence of explicit sexual material on all areas of human sexuality. During the program, six small group sessions with family members in separate groups enable participants to share impressions and examine anxieties aroused by the presentations. The entire process is monitored by evaluative instruments and questionnaires. Results of the data support the hypothesis that communication is possible between generations, and assists rather than inhibits the development of an adult identity.
TL;DR: Five categories of sexual disorders are proposed, including the behavioral, psychological and informational components of sexual functioning in the individual and the couple, based on objective behavior and reports of distress.
Abstract: A preliminary classification is presented for functional human sexual disorders. This system is based on objective behavior and reports of distress. Five categories of sexual disorders are proposed, including the behavioral, psychological and informational components of sexual functioning in the individual and the couple.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the systematic desensitization studies, the masturbatory training approaches, and the Reproductive Biology Research Foundation series are all effective treatment procedures.
Abstract: In an attempt to determine the essential components of a successful treatment regime for primary orgasmic dysfunction, the principle treatment approaches are reviewed to elucidate the similarities in different programs which have reported similar outcome data. It is concluded that the systematic desensitization studies, the masturbatory training approaches, and the Reproductive Biology Research Foundation series are all effective treatment procedures. It appears that all three approaches employ graduated exposure to sexual stimuli plus some form of directive psychotherapy emphasizing interpersonal skills acquisition. These may be the essential treatment components.
TL;DR: An overview on nonverbal diagnostic methods is presented, and one of them, the phallometric test, is described in more detail, including a discussion of its limitations.
Abstract: Sometimes the main reason for situational impotence is a gross anomaly in a patient's erotic preferences. However, those patients who for one reason or other try to adjust in their sexual interactions to the general norm tend to hide or underestimate their true erotic preferences. This makes it necessary sometimes to base our diagnosis on data other than a patient's verbal report. An overview on nonverbal diagnostic methods is presented, and one of them, the phallometric test, is described in more detail, including a discussion of its limitations.
TL;DR: This paper discusses the use of genital measures in the study of both applied and basic work in human sexuality and some of the advantages of psychophysiological measures are considered along with cautions concerning unwarranted assumptions.
Abstract: This paper discusses the use of genital measures in the study of both applied and basic work in human sexuality. Some of the advantages of psychophysiological measures are considered along with cautions concerning unwarranted assumptions. Some of the advances that are possible in both applied and basic work are examined. It is suggested that greater attention be payed to genital measures, but it should not be assumed that they are the only or even the best measures available for study.
TL;DR: As sex therapy becomes an established mode of treatment, the original Masters and Johnson model of cotherapy is its most common form and the complex issues in the relationship between cotherapists who are doing sex therapy have not received adequate attention.
Abstract: As sex therapy becomes an established mode of treatment, the original Masters and Johnson model of cotherapy is its most common form. The complex issues in the relationship between cotherapists who are doing sex therapy have not received adequate attention. Differences in status, experience, and training combine with aspects of the personal relationship between therapists to make cotherapy a substantial problem. Whether the cotherapists are married, otherwise involved in a personal relationship, or even when they are a physician and his nurse or two independent therapists, the sexual content of their work inevitably raises issues that need to be resolved. These issues include erotic fantasies and power struggles between the therapists that can affect the outcome of treatment.
TL;DR: This paper explores family aspects of sexual issues in several areas, demonstrating that when sexual dysfunction represents the distillation of a couple's relationship to their own parents, successful resolution of their own sexual relationship may be a crucial first step in rebuilding family harmony and providing a culture of intimacy for their children.
Abstract: Sexuality is a central source of communication and growth in the development of relationships between an individual and his parents, spouse, and children. It is both a vehicle for and manifestation of crucial interpersonal links. In the physical sense, this is seen when the adolescent or adult's physical sexual expression is evidence of closeness to another and it also a way of achieving such closeness. In the psychological sense, sexual behavior in current relationships may be hindered by carrying the image of internalized aspects of past relationships; it may also afford a new setting for further work on them. This paper explores family aspects of sexual issues in several areas, demonstrating that when sexual dysfunction represents the distillation of a couple's relationship to their own parents, successful resolution of their own sexual relationship may be a crucial first step in rebuilding family harmony and providing a culture of intimacy for their children.
TL;DR: The effort is made to delineate some of the key issues involved in the interaction of love, sex, and commitment as well as the nature of the inner experience of couples.
Abstract: The effort is made to delineate some of the key issues involved in the interaction of love, sex, and commitment. Coupling is viewed from an ethological perspective that suggests that, in addition to the developmental contribution of the parent-child experience, peer-peer relating is a major determinant of adult hetrosexual relatedness. Couples are next considered as responding to social and economic forces that influence powerfully what types and duration of relationships have survival value. Finally, the nature of the inner experience of couples, their existential awareness of themselves and the other, and the meaning that they attribute to it is discussed. Being a member of a couple is participating in a story, sometimes a “love story”, and whether or not it is seen as a good story depends on one's critical vantage point. Finally, the analysis of relationships is contrasted with the experience of a relationship as a gestalt, a whole; not as the sum of its parts.
TL;DR: Five concrete issues and dilemmas typically confronted in the practice of treatment of sexual problems are discussed, including the issue of therapeutic values and conflict in values that may arise for the therapist.
Abstract: Five concrete issues and dilemmas typically confronted in the practice of treatment of sexual problems are discussed, These are: (a) the issue of therapeutic values and conflict in values that may arise for the therapist; (b) the phenomenon of the desperation of the impotent male and its relationship to coping techniques and cultural expectations; (c) masturbation as a developmental stage in sexual responsiveness, based on evidence from historical, cross-cultural, human, and animal studies and clinical practice; (d) the positive aspects of the self-concept of nonorgasmic women that may serve as resistance to sexual responsiveness; and (e) a specific value conflict for women therapists that is a reflection of the change in values promoted by the women's movement.
TL;DR: It is suggested that groups of persons who are sexually knowledgeable and possess counseling skills in sex therapy could greatly improve sex education in the medical institution.
Abstract: This paper emphasizes the rapid response of American medical schools to the absence of sex education in their curricula, which has led to diversity of design, strategy, and evaluation of human sexuality courses. It further points out that most such courses are inadequate to teach physicians knowledge and skills that will be required when they leave medical school. Major areas of resistance to full implementation of comprehensive sex education programs are cited, with one method outlined to overcome institutional resistance. The authors cite case examples of the variety of sexual conflicts that become accessible in students and faculty as a result of such instruction. They suggest that groups of persons who are sexually knowledgeable and possess counseling skills in sex therapy could greatly improve sex education in the medical institution.
TL;DR: This paper examines the long-term issues of sexual dysfunction in terms of normal psychosexual development within the symbiotic relationship of the child and its first nurturant caretaker, usually the mother.
Abstract: This paper examines the long-term issues of sexual dysfunction in terms of normal psychosexual development, Human sexual development and ego growth take simultaneous origin within the symbiotic relationship of the child and its first nurturant caretaker, usually the mother. Infantile sexuality, the pleasure of the total body, is equivalent to love and dependent upon sameness and continuity, tending toward fusion. Adult sexuality depends for its emotional impetus upon separateness and difference between lovers. Once established, adult sexual relationships drift inexorably toward the symbiotic unity implicit in loving. Genital sexuality may be sacrificed in the preference for more global satisfations reminiscent of the infantile sexual experience. Essential to the adult sexual relationship then is the capacity to bear and express conflict and anger as a means of breaking the symbiotic tie; a continuous restructuring of ego boundaries is necessary for the maintenance of a functioning sexual relation...
TL;DR: “Someday someday how the three factors that the authors are discussing covary with each other during early life patterns and midlife experiences and during old age may be discovered.
Abstract: “We may discover someday how the three factors that we are discussing covary with each other during early life patterns and midlife experiences and during old age Why at some periods do all three seem to summate into a marvelous suprasystem whole, and why do they then fragment and maybe resummate?“
TL;DR: In this article, a sociology-of-knowledge perspective is used to examine the interplay among sex, love, and commitment within the context of historical trends and social changes, and the implications of qualitative and quantitative differences among love, sex and commitment are discussed in relation to multiple selves, individual variations in threshold levels, and misuse of ideal types.
Abstract: A sociology-of-knowledge perspective is used to examine the interplay among sex, love, and commitment within the context of historical trends and social changes. The implications of qualitative and quantitative differences among love, sex and commitment are discussed in relation to (1) the concept of “multiple selves,” (2) “individual variations in threshold levels,” and (3) the misuse of “ideal types.” Clinical and research efforts to differentiate among sex, love, and commitment need to be balanced by explicit awareness of the tendency to compartmentalize these three areas.
TL;DR: This paper is meant to discuss and illustrate this shift in treatment strategy as it applies to sexual dysfunctioning and deals with the function of the interplay of sex, love, and commitment through the illustrative cases.
Abstract: In the psychiatric treatment of sexual dysfunctioning the generally accepted method has been to concentrate heavily on the intrapsychic conflicts of one or both spouses. There now is increasing evidence that treatment is sometimes more effective if the therapeutic intervention takes place directly in the interpersonal system. Such evidence has been provided by those therapists with clinical experience in marital systems who are prepared to utilize theories evolved from a multidisciplinary approach to marital problems. This paper is meant to discuss and illustrate this shift in treatment strategy as it applies to sexual dysfunctioning and deals with the function of the interplay of sex, love, and commitment through the illustrative cases.
TL;DR: When a couple becomeErotically pair-bonded, whether for a night or a lifetime, they are by definition committed to each other erotically, but the degree varies.
Abstract: When a couple become erotically pair-bonded, whether for a night or a lifetime, they are by definition committed to each other erotically. That is the minimum. The degree varies. The commitment may be limited to the proceptive phase of solicitation or courtship, or it may include the acceptive phase of coitus, or it may extend to the conceptive phase of parenthood. People “fall in love with their fantasy” and project on to the partner a range of future commitments. If the partner fails to reciprocate, the pair-bond weakens, and the partnership either dissolves or becomes eligible for marital counseling or sex therapy.
TL;DR: When the patient can be helped to a comfortable acceptance of his homosexual feelings as a normal and healthy facet of his personality, very often the dysfunction is relieved, and there is a marked change in the ability of the individual to achieve gratification in genuine heterosexuality.
Abstract: Male heterosexual activity is not always heterosexual. Frequently it only appears to be, but, in fact, it is an attempt at denial of underlying homosexual feelings. There is often a correlation between such “pseudoheterosexuality” and minor sexual dysfunctions. Insight alone is not sufficient to provide relief, but when the patient can be helped to a comfortable acceptance of his homosexual feelings as a normal and healthy facet of his personality, very often the dysfunction is relieved, and there is a marked change in the ability of the individual to achieve gratification in genuine heterosexuality.