Showing papers in "Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 1977"
TL;DR: Some clinical features of hypoactive sexual desire are described, and some hypotheses about etiology and prognosis are presented.
Abstract: The sex therapy literature has concentrated on disorders of the excitement and orgasm phases of the sexual response. However, disorders of sexual desire have been virtually neglected, although low-libido disorders are highly prevalent, may be extremely distressful to patients and their partners, and influence the course and prognosis of therapy. This paper focuses on this important aspect of human sexuality. Some clinical features of hypoactive sexual desire are described, and some hypotheses about etiology and prognosis are presented.
335 citations
TL;DR: A compound major individual difference variable having a putative physiological basis--arousal and the stimulation-seeking motive--was the focus of the present study, and the results failed to confirm significant but slight assortative mating for neuroticism and psychoticism previously reported for British couples, but were in accord with the previously reported lack of any assortatives for extraversion-introversion.
Abstract: It is known that there is significant assortative mating for intelligence. However, where personality is concerned, the picture is less clear, and where physiologically referenced individual differences are concerned, there is a negligible body of available research. A compound major individual difference variable having a putative physiological basis–arousal and the stimulation-seeking motive, which has not heretofore been investigated in studies of assortative mating–was the focus of the present study. In addition, three major personality dimensions–extraversion-introversion, neuroticism and psychoticism–were included for study. One hundred and two married couples in the housing complex of a large American midwestern university were tested on the arousal/ stimulation-seeking and personality measures. Significant assortative mating (p <.01) was found only for arousal/stimulation-seeking. The results for the other personality dimensions failed to confirm significant but slight assortative mating ...
45 citations
TL;DR: Although partner presence did not enhance behavioral outcome measures, highly significant findings were achieved in terms of enhanced marital and sexual satisfaction and the question of whether orgasm through coitus alone is a reasonable goal is challenged.
Abstract: Three groups of women with sexual dysfunction were evaluated pretreatment and posttreatment. Two of the groups (mixed sexual dysfunctions and primary orgasmic dysfunction) did not involve partner participation, while the third group (mixed sexual dysfunctions) included partners on two occasions. Results for all groups were similar. Of the 16 women involved, 14 became reliably orgasmic through self-stimulation. Generalization of orgasm to partner stimulation or coitus was less reliable. Although partner presence did not enhance behavioral outcome measures, highly significant findings were achieved in terms of enhanced marital and sexual satisfaction. The question of whether orgasm through coitus alone is a reasonable goal is raised and challenged.
37 citations
TL;DR: Tentative evidence suggests that drugs with side effects of adrenergic blockade are associated with ejaculatory disturbances and drug induced impotence and retarded ejaculation could both also be related to central dopamine blockade.
Abstract: Reports of pharmacological agents affecting the human sexual response cycle are critically reviewed. Because of the paucity of adequately designed studies, few definitive statements can be made about pharmacological effects on human sexual functioning. Tentative evidence suggests that drugs with side effects of adrenergic blockade are associated with ejaculatory disturbances. Impotence appears to be associated with drugs possessing significant anticholinergic activity. Drug induced impotence and retarded ejaculation could both also be related to central dopamine blockade.
27 citations
TL;DR: This study investigated the premarital contraceptive behavior of 222 college students in relation to dating patterns, level of emotional involvement with the sex partner was heightened, the intercourse was planned, and the individual and prior sexual experience.
Abstract: This study investigated the premarital contraceptive behavior of 222 male and female college students. Contraceptive practice was examined in relation to dating patterns, level of emotional involvement with sex partners, type of birth control used, number of different sex partners, and reasons for failure to use birth control. Results showed that the likelihood of using a reliable contraceptive increased when the level of emotional involvement with the sex partner was heightened, the intercourse was planned, and the individual had prior sexual experience.
23 citations
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TL;DR: Vaginismus includes both physical as well as psychological aspects that make vaginal penetration extremely painful if not altogether impossible.
Abstract: Vaginismus includes both physical as well as psychological aspects that make vaginal penetration extremely painful if not altogether impossible. Aside from history, diagnosis rests on the physical examination. The causes for the condition range from the deeply psychological to vividly recalled genital experiences and may involve conditioned responses. Similarly, treatment methods range from surgery to simple muscle-strengthening exercises to elaborate psychotherapeutic intervention. More recently, behavioral methods have shown marked success. The most important considerations in therapy seem to be the patient's understanding of the problem and flexibility of approach.
18 citations
TL;DR: A review of the current literature on cotherapy with special reference to therapeutic outcome covers the fields of sex therapy, group therapy, and family and marital therapy and considers both patient variables and cotherapist variables.
Abstract: This paper presents a review of the current literature on cotherapy with special reference to therapeutic outcome. The review covers the fields of sex therapy, group therapy, and family and marital therapy. It considers both patient variables and cotherapist variables. There are few "research" studies of cotherapy. Most data derive from case illustrations, which, however well detailed, are anecdotal in nature. The most widely addressed effect of cotherapy upon patients is presented in terms of treatment process and not treatment outcome.
16 citations
TL;DR: Automatic functioning can mask the effects of all pathogenic influences on sexuality, making these effects appear random, confounding etiological issues and creating the belief that the causes of the sexual dysfunction and sexual disorder cannot be specified.
Abstract: Lack of consideration of the sexually functional population has led to misconceptions about the causes of both sexual dysfunction and sexual functioning. Although observation of the dysfunctional population appears to indicate that performance anxiety is the first-order cause of dysfunction, it is proposed that in the functional population performance anxiety has the opposite effect, generating automatic functioning rather than dysfunction. The first-order cause of dysfunction is then whatever causes this differential response to performance anxiety, conceivably an inability or unwillingness to bypass pathogenic influences. Thus automatic functioning can mask the effects of all pathogenic influences on sexuality, making these effects appear random, confounding etiological issues and creating the belief that the causes of both sexual dysfunction and sexual disorder cannot be specified.
16 citations
TL;DR: A significant increase in marital adjustment and a significant decrease in sexual anxiety was found in the women's sexual nonresponsiveness as perceived by their partners.
Abstract: This study investigated whether six women who previously had received 15 sessions of group systematic desensitization (SD) for their sexual anxiety would report additional treatment gains from participation in a sexual-enhancement workshop with their partners. After group SD six couples participated in six, 1½ hour weekly group sessions. The women reported a significant increase in marital adjustment and a significant decrease in sexual anxiety. A significant decrease was found in the women's sexual nonresponsiveness as perceived by their partners. Future studies should (1) contrast the effects of group SD with women alone versus couple group treatment, (2) determine which treatment components are most influential for defined subject types, and (3) obtain data on men's sexual functioning.
14 citations
TL;DR: The interaction of leader-guided problem solving and participant input is addressed along with a series of preliminary conclusions reached concerning the efficacy of this approach to treatment.
Abstract: This paper describes a seminar approach to postdivorce adjustment. Topical content areas covered in the 7-week seminars are discussed. The interaction of leader-guided problem solving and participant input is addressed along with a series of preliminary conclusions reached concerning the efficacy of this approach to treatment.
14 citations
TL;DR: The results seem to suggest that children's presence at delivery permits an open attitude toward birth as a normal process in families in which this ideology is held and for girls aids in the development of their self-image as women.
Abstract: The sexual attitudes and beliefs of 20 children who have been present at the labor and delivery of sibs and have observed the birth process are compared with 20 children who have not been present at delivery. The ages of these children ranged from 9 years to 14 years. Several of these children were observed at the actual delivery where naturalistic observations of delivery were carried out. Naturalistic observations of these processes were also carried out as well as observations of play of children who had witnessed the delivery with children who had not. The attitudes of the parents of children present at delivery were characterized and consisted of a feeling that birth was a normal family event of a positive nature that should involve other children of the family. Their children tended to have very accurate notions regarding the proverbial “Where do babies come from?” question and tended to view the birth in a positive, happy manner. Children not present found the idea of birth puzzling or inc...
TL;DR: Three major modalities of Gestalt therapy, awareness, experiment, and contactful encounter, and illustrative Gestalt methods are introduced in the context of sex therapy.
Abstract: Conceptual models and treatment modalities generally used in Gestalt therapy are specifically applicable to sex therapy. Healthy sexual functioning requires self-regulation in which the person becomes aware of the dominant need in the situation and expresses himself to satisfy that need and to complete the Gestalt. The Gestalt awareness-expression cycle is a model for understanding both the processes of sexual functioning and dysfunction and of the therapeutic encounter. The concepts of awareness, excitement, action, and contact as components of the cycle are related conceptually both to modes and points of interruption of self-regulation and to specific treatment modalities and methods. Three major modalities of Gestalt therapy, awareness, experiment, and contactful encounter, and illustrative Gestalt methods are introduced in the context of sex therapy.
TL;DR: A typology of marriages and other intimate relationships is offered based on seven behavioral profiles that partners can exhibit in their interactions with one another, based upon the main thrust of each partner's behavior in their dyadic system.
Abstract: A typology of marriages and other intimate relationships is offered based on seven behavioral profiles that partners can exhibit in their interactions with one another. The typology is relatively simple, based upon the main thrust of each partner's behavior in their dyadic system. The intrapsychic and biological factors that are forces in each partner's marriage contract differ for each behavioral profile. The profiles are subject to change as the couples' interactions change. There are 28 possible combinations of the two partners' profiles. These are determined by putting together the two terms that best describe each partner's behavior. The prognosis for the quality of each type of relationship in the typology is discussed.
TL;DR: Microphallus, also known as micropenis and partial agenesis of the penis, is a condition in which the corpora ofThe penis are agenetic or vestigial to a variable degree.
Abstract: Microphallus, also known as micropenis and partial agenesis of the penis, is a condition in which the corpora of the penis are agenetic or vestigial to a variable degree There is no other defect of embryogenesis of the external genitalia
TL;DR: Psychopathology, in the form of a deficiency in the ego functions of pleasure, intimacy, or cooperation, is usually associated with sexual dysfunctions that prove refractory to sex therapy techniques alone.
Abstract: Psychopathology, in the form of a deficiency in the ego functions of pleasure, intimacy, or cooperation, is usually associated with sexual dysfunctions that prove ref'ractory to sex therapy techniques alone. Each of these deficiencies forms a distinct clinical syndrome with specific treatment requirements, necessitating further diagnostic subcategorization of sexual disorders.
TL;DR: If the authors work from the assumption that sexual symptoms are functional rather than dysfunctional, they can more fully exploit the opportunity for rapid uncovering therapy created by the symptom focus and the assignment structure of sex therapy.
Abstract: If we work from the assumption that sexual symptoms are functional rather than dysfunctional, we can more fully exploit the opportunity for rapid uncovering therapy created by the symptom focus and the assignment structure of sex therapy. This objective is facilitated by an ego-analytic reevaluation of the way that the repression model is used in conventional uncovering therapy. To illustrate this ego-analytic strategy, it is applied in the hypothetical treatment of a couple who were not capable of or motivated for conventional uncovering therapy and for whom the bypassing appraoch of strictly behavioral sex therapy had failed.
TL;DR: In this paper 14 anxiety-reduction techniques are discussed: use of bibliotherapy, use of audiovisual materials, in vivo desensitization via written, programmed exercises; self-exploration/masturbation training; orgasmic reconditioning; simulated orgasm experiences; implosion techniques; sex word desensITization; sexual assertion training; therapist modeling/self-disclosure; systematic desensItization; and cue-controlled relaxation.
Abstract: In this paper 14 anxiety-reduction techniques are discussed: use of bibliotherapy, use of audiovisual materials, in vivo desensitization via written, programmed exercises; self-exploration/masturbation training; orgasmic reconditioning; simulated orgasm experiences; implosion techniques; sex word desensitization; sexual assertion training; therapist modeling/self-disclosure; systematic desensitization; and cue-controlled relaxation. The sex therapist can integrate these techniques into the sex therapy contract with individuals or couples and use them either singly or in a sequential multiple technique format to reduce sexual anxiety.
TL;DR: The treatment by a qualified sex therapist of a sexually dysfunctional couple referred by a family or marital therapist often significantly factilitates the overall therapeutic progress.
Abstract: The treatment by a qualified sex therapist of a sexually dysfunctional couple referred by a family or marital therapist often significantly facilitates the overall therapeutic progress. When “successful”, relevant effects of sex therapy include a better dyadic relationship, optimism about therapy in general, and greater willingness to change, beneficial ripple effects on other family members often occur. Resistance by partners or other family members is considered, as is the use of “unsuccessful” sex therapy as a diagnostic tool. Questions as to whether sex therapy should follow, interrupt, or proceed concurrently with family/marital therapy are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the 7-year itch is discussed as a marital entity and as a manifestation of a stage of individual adult development, referred to as the age 30 transition, where one or both members of each couple is seen to be in a period of life review.
Abstract: The marital phenomenon known as the 7-Year Itch is discussed as a marital entity and as a manifestation of a stage of individual adult development–the age 30 transition. Intakes to the Marriage Council of Philadelphia for couples where one or both is in the 27 to 32 age range (average years married–7) are double those of any other age range. One or both members of each couple is seen to be in a period of life review. Characteristics of these couples and treatment methods are discussed.
TL;DR: This case exemplifies the pressure in the Individual Sex Therapy situation, how the surrogate approach attempts unsuccessfully to bypass this pressure, and the processes by which the pressure can be countered.
Abstract: Masters and Johnson's discussion of their surrogate program and informal interviews with surrogates reveal that the surrogate role is stressful. The surrogate hopes to bypass explosive relationship issues in order to lower the patient's level of tension. Such bypassing is difficult, sometimes impossible, and of limited therapeutic value. An alternative tactic has been developed for Individual Sex Therapy and is exemplified by a case study. The case described involves an involuntary ejaculator who tried to sidestep the pressure that he felt from relationships in general. This case exemplifies the pressure in the Individual Sex Therapy situation, how the surrogate approach attempts unsuccessfully to bypass this pressure, and the processes by which the pressure can be countered.
TL;DR: Questions concerning the diagnosis or treatment of impotent men and scientifically derived answers to these questions may revolutionize the therapeutic approach to impotence.
Abstract: The recent psychiatric experience with sex therapy of impotent men has enabled clinicians to acquire extensive experience with this symptom, has reemphasized the need for careful differential diagnosis, and has increased awareness of our knowledge deficits. Important unanswered questions concerning the diagnosis or treatment of impotent men are the following: (1) What is the role of constitutional factors? (2) What mediates the loss of erectile capacity with age? (3) Which impotent men should have penile implants? (4) How effective is conjoint sex therapy for psychological impotence? (5) What should be the role of surrogate partners? Scientifically derived answers to these questions may revolutionize the therapeutic approach to impotence.
TL;DR: In this article, the erotic aspects of the interaction between cotherapists are discussed, including the nonrational but healthy sexual attraction that can influence the functioning of the therapeutic team.
Abstract: This paper concentrates on the erotic aspects of the interaction between cotherapists. This includes the nonrational but healthy sexual attraction that can influence the functioning of the therapeutic team. Other factors which increase the sexual tension include fantasies about one's cotherapist, the need to appear highly effective as a sex partner, and the effects of highly charged sexual material. Voyeurism and competitive sexuality are included. Increased sexual tensions may adversely affect the therapeutic relationship. Methods of dealing with these matters are presented.
TL;DR: An interdisciplinary Sexual Health Services unit has been established at the University of Minnesota Medical School that offers counseling and treatment programs for a wide variety of sex-related concerns and problems based on the principles of responsibility for self, permission to be sexual, the use of reeducation, the facilitation of increased awareness in clients, and structured behavior change.
Abstract: An interdisciplinary Sexual Health Services unit has been established at the University of Minnesota Medical School that offers counseling and treatment programs for a wide variety of sex-related concerns and problems. The programs are based on the principles of responsibility for self, permission to be sexual, the use of reeducation, the facilitation of increased awareness in clients, and structured behavior change. The programs have been evaluated according to client satisfaction with the extent to which they have met pretreatment goals and according to results of pre/posttesting with objective instruments. One year follow-up results from 131 clients and immediate posttreatment results from 411 clients show positive change in a large majority of cases.
TL;DR: In this paper, self-management principles developed from the cognitive-behavioral theories are utilized, and a new treatment approach can be realized, where the person without a partner, as well as the couple will now have proven methods available for dealing with his or her problem.
Abstract: As sex therapy has become an established mode to treatment, the original approaches that have become established modalities should now be extended into different areas and client populations. The focus on treatment for the dysfunctional couple only has excluded a sizable population of troubled individuals from receiving service. This no longer has to be the case. If the self-management principles developed from the cognitive-behavioral theories are utilized, a new treatment approach can be realized. The person without a partner, as well as the couple, will now have proven methods available for dealing with his or her problem.