Showing papers in "Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 2011"
TL;DR: The path analysis results indicated that differentiation of self had no direct effect on marital or sexual satisfaction, although it was significantly related to sexual communication, and no gender differences existed in the model.
Abstract: This article explores the relations among differentiation of self, adult attachment, sexual communication, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction, in a path analysis model. In a sample of 205 married adults, the path analysis results indicated that (a) differentiation of self had no direct effect on marital or sexual satisfaction, although it was significantly related to sexual communication; (b) adult attachment had a direct effect on marital satisfaction, but not on sexual satisfaction; (c) sexual communication is a mediating variable; (d) sexual communication was positively related to sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction; and (e) no gender differences existed in the model.
141 citations
TL;DR: Psychometric evidence is demonstrated for the PCI items that measure tendencies of hypersexual men to use pornography to escape, cope, or avoid uncomfortable emotional experiences or stress, and to satisfy desires for excitement, novelty, and variety.
Abstract: This article reports the psychometric evaluation of the Pornography Consumption Inventory (PCI), which was developed to assess motivations for pornography use among hypersexual men. Initial factor structure and item analysis were conducted in a sample of men (N = 105) seeking to reduce their pornography consumption (Study 1), yielding a 4-factor solution. In a second sample of treatment-seeking hypersexual men (N = 107), the authors further investigated the properties of the PCI using confirmatory factor analytic procedures, reliability indices, and explored PCI associations with several other constructs to establish convergent and discriminant validity. These studies demonstrate psychometric evidence for the PCI items that measure tendencies of hypersexual men to use pornography (a) for sexual pleasure; (b) to escape, cope, or avoid uncomfortable emotional experiences or stress; (c) to satisfy sexual curiosity; and (d) to satisfy desires for excitement, novelty, and variety.
122 citations
TL;DR: The authors’ findings not only highlight desired frequency of sex as a major factor in satisfaction, but also reveal important gender and other sociodemographic differences that need to be taken into account by researchers and therapists seeking to understand and improve sexual and relationship satisfaction among heterosexual couples.
Abstract: Little is known of the extent to which heterosexual couples are satisfied with their current frequency of sex and the degree to which this predicts overall sexual and relationship satisfaction. A population-based survey of 4,290 men and 4,366 women was conducted among Australians aged 16 to 64 years from a range of sociodemographic backgrounds, of whom 3,240 men and 3,304 women were in regular heterosexual relationships. Only 46% of men and 58% of women were satisfied with their current frequency of sex. Dissatisfied men were overwhelmingly likely to desire sex more frequently; among dissatisfied women, only two thirds wanted sex more frequently. Age was a significant factor but only for men, with those aged 35-44 years tending to be least satisfied. Men and women who were dissatisfied with their frequency of sex were also more likely to express overall lower sexual and relationship satisfaction. The authors' findings not only highlight desired frequency of sex as a major factor in satisfaction, but also reveal important gender and other sociodemographic differences that need to be taken into account by researchers and therapists seeking to understand and improve sexual and relationship satisfaction among heterosexual couples. Other issues such as length of time spent having sex and practices engaged in may also be relevant, particularly for women.
110 citations
TL;DR: It was revealed that elderly adults’ sexual desire and sexual satisfaction decrease with age and that nearly 40% of the interviewees still had sexual activity one or more times every month.
Abstract: The authors examined the association among sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life in a sample of community participants. They predicted that quality of life would be positivity correlated with sexual satisfaction and that sexual desire would indirectly influence quality of life. This research showed that elderly adults’ sexual desire and sexual satisfaction decrease with age and that nearly 40% of the interviewees still had sexual activity one or more times every month. The results revealed that sexual desire does not directly influence quality of life, but it does have a direct effect on sexual satisfaction; hence, sexual satisfaction will indirectly affect quality of life.
83 citations
TL;DR: The authors’ findings emphasize the importance of incorporating sexual variables in the study of marriage and represent an important step in recognizing that marital research benefits from an examination of specific topics of conflict as a factor to consider in studies of marital functioning.
Abstract: The way couples communicate during conflict discussions has been found to be a reliable predictor of marital satisfaction. However, in previous research, there has been little experimental control over the selection of topics. The present study examined, in a sample of 15 newlywed couples, whether affective displays during the discussion of a sexual and a nonsexual conflict topic differentially predict current marital satisfaction. Communication behaviors were coded using an adaptation of the Specific Affect Coding System, resulting in composite "negative behavior" and "positive behavior" categories. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Negative behaviors displayed during the nonsexual conflict discussions were not significantly related to concurrent self-reported relationship satisfaction. In contrast, for wives, negative behaviors displayed during the discussion of a sexual problem were significantly related to lower levels of relationship satisfaction. For the sexual and nonsexual conflict discussions, positive behaviors were positively associated with relationship satisfaction, although this effect did not reach statistical significance. Overall, the authors' findings emphasize the importance of incorporating sexual variables in the study of marriage. Furthermore, their study represents an important step in recognizing that marital research benefits from an examination of specific topics of conflict as a factor to consider in studies of marital functioning.
78 citations
TL;DR: A positive association was detected between sexual dysfunction and gestational age and a report of urinary incontinence and excessive weight gain in the current pregnancy.
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the sexual function of pregnant women and to identify the potential variables associated with it. The study was conducted on 137 low-risk, sexually active pregnant women who filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Although 61% of the women assessed presented an FSFI score ≤26.5, they declared that they were satisfied with the emotional proximity to their partner, with their relationship, and with their sex life. A positive association was detected between sexual dysfunction and gestational age and a report of urinary incontinence and excessive weight gain in the current pregnancy.
66 citations
TL;DR: There were higher levels of sexual desire reported by husbands and there was a significant positive relationship between sexuality and marital satisfaction, for both genders and high intimacy diminished the negative effects of marital satisfaction due to reported low sexual satisfaction.
Abstract: This study aims at investigating the sexual relationship and intimate of postpartum spouses and the effect of those relationships on their marital satisfaction. A sample of 128 postpartum couples having given birth to their first child (6-36 weeks postpartum) participated in this study during 2009. A nonexperimental, cross-sectional survey design was conducted using Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory, Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationship Scale and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Using univariate and multivariate regression analysis, results suggested that there were higher levels of sexual desire reported by husbands and there was a significant positive relationship between sexuality and marital satisfaction, for both genders. Moreover, high intimacy diminished the negative effects of marital satisfaction due to reported low sexual satisfaction. Regarding negative effects of marital dissatisfaction in first-time families, it is important to assess main related issues such as postpartum sexuality and intimacy, to obtain knowledge for health care providers to provide support to the postpartum families.
65 citations
TL;DR: Evidence from the study suggested that change of homosexual orientation appears possible for some and that psychological distress did not increase on average as a result of the involvement in the change process.
Abstract: The authors conducted a quasi-experimental longitudinal study spanning 6-7 years examining attempted religiously mediated sexual orientation change from homosexual orientation to heterosexual orientation. An initial sample was formed of 72 men and 26 women who were involved in a variety of Christian ministries, with measures of sexual attraction, infatuation and fantasy, and composite measures of sexual orientation and psychological distress, administered longitudinally. Evidence from the study suggested that change of homosexual orientation appears possible for some and that psychological distress did not increase on average as a result of the involvement in the change process. The authors explore methodological limitations circumscribing generalizability of the findings and alternative explanations of the findings, such as sexual identity change or adjustment.
53 citations
TL;DR: A model of intervention in sexual recovery that incorporates grief and mourning as a gateway to new and satisfying sexuality after prostate cancer treatment is proposed.
Abstract: Erectile dysfunction is a common side-effect of prostate cancer surgery that causes men suffering and hinders their sexual recovery. There are studies that describe men's and partners' distress and couples' difficulties engaging in sexual recovery. A few studies show a short-term benefit of brief psycho-social interventions such as psychoeducation and counseling. However, there is no conceptual framework to guide psychosocial treatments. We propose a model of intervention in sexual recovery that incorporates grief and mourning as a gateway to new and satisfying sexuality after prostate cancer treatment.
47 citations
TL;DR: In depressed men with low or low-normal testosterone levels who continued to take serotonergic antidepressants, treatment with exogenous testosterone was associated with a significant improvement in sexual function, particularly including ejaculatory ability.
Abstract: Testosterone replacement is the most effective treatment for sexual dysfunction in hypogonadal men. Comorbid depression and antidepressant side effects may reduce its influence. The authors conducted a 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of testosterone gel versus placebo gel in men with major depressive disorder who were currently taking a serotonergic antidepressant and exhibited low or low-normal testosterone level. A total of 100 men were enrolled at 2 study sites (Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and Tel Aviv, Israel). The effects of testosterone augmentation on sexual functioning were determined using domain scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Complete pre- and posttrial IIEF data were available for 63 subjects. Men randomized to testosterone (n = 31) and placebo (n = 32) were similar in age, baseline testosterone levels, and baseline IIEF scores. At study termination, men randomized to placebo showed virtually no change from baseline in mean (95% CI) IIEF s...
47 citations
TL;DR: A therapeutic intervention is described designed to help women with vaginismus prepare for examination and treatment by addressing the component of anxiety in real-life situations.
Abstract: Physiotherapy for the treatment of vaginismus is perceived as an intervention aimed to normalize muscle tone of the pelvic floor in order to allow vaginal penetration in accordance with the traditional view of vaginal spasm as its defining feature. Newer definitions recognize the experience of anxiety as well as pain, and effective treatment approaches should address these components as well. Physiotherapists often encounter women who, as a result of severe anxiety, are unable to undergo examination and treatment, despite their expressed desire to do so. This article describes a therapeutic intervention designed to help women with vaginismus prepare for examination and treatment by addressing the component of anxiety in real-life situations. This approach is also appropriate for nurse practitioners and physicians who work with this patient population and may be adapted for sex therapists to teach as a home exercise.
TL;DR: The International Index of Erectile Function is a well-worded and psychometrically valid self-report questionnaire widely used as the standard for the evaluation of male sexual function, but some conceptual and statistical problems arise when using the measure with men who are not sexually active.
Abstract: The International Index of Erectile Function is a well-worded and psychometrically valid self-report questionnaire widely used as the standard for the evaluation of male sexual function. However, some conceptual and statistical problems arise when using the measure with men who are not sexually active. These problems are illustrated using 2 empirical examples, and the authors provide recommended solutions to further strengthen the efficacy and validity of this measure.
TL;DR: Most women and men held high positive and low negative beliefs about women's vibrator use, and women with positive beliefs reported higher Female Sexual Function Index scores related to arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.
Abstract: Women's vibrator use is common in the United States, although little is known about beliefs about its use. Elicitation surveys and interviews informed the development of a 10-item scale, the Beliefs About Women's Vibrator Use Scale, which was administered to a nationally representative probability sample of adults ages 18 to 60 years. Most women and men held high positive and low negative beliefs about women's vibrator use. Women with positive beliefs reported higher Female Sexual Function Index scores related to arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain (indicating less pain).
TL;DR: It is found that a substantial proportion of women reported pain at first and subsequent anoreceptive intercourse among young women, and those with anodyspareunia reported substantially lower levels of sexual satisfaction and were less sexually assertive.
Abstract: Anal sex is becoming increasingly prevalent among heterosexual women and men. Although pain related to receptive anal intercourse is not uncommon, little is known about its phenomenology. This article aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of pain during anoreceptive intercourse, including anodyspareunia, its most severe form, among young women. An online survey focusing on anal eroticism was carried out in March and April 2010 on a convenience sample of 2,002 women 18-30 years of age. Participants who reported 2 or more episodes of anal intercourse in the past year were asked about the level and frequency of pain at anoreceptive penetration; those who reported unbearable (too painful to continue) or strong pain at every such occasion were classified as anodyspareunic. The experience of receptive anal intercourse was reported by 63.2% (n = 1,265) of participants. Although almost half (48.8%) had to discontinue their first anoreceptive intercourse because of pain or discomfort, a majority of women (62.3%; n = 788) continued anal sex. Of the 505 participants who reported 2 or more episodes of anal intercourse in the past year, the women (8.7%; n = 44) who reported severe pain during every anoreceptive penetration were classified as anodyspareunic; all others were classified as non-anodyspareunic. For more than two thirds of women with anodyspareunia, the current pain level remained unchanged from their first experience with anal sex. Inability to relax was the most frequent self-hypothesized cause of pain among the anodyspareunic and nonanodyspareunic groups. Compared with other women, those with anodyspareunia reported substantially lower levels of sexual satisfaction (odds ratio = .95; p < .001) and were less sexually assertive (odds ratio = .80; p < .01). The findings that a substantial proportion of women reported pain at first and subsequent anoreceptive intercourse highlight a need for more information and education about anal eroticism.
TL;DR: Anal intercourse was associated with lifetime number of sex partners, current masturbation, and histories (prevalence of which increased from 1993 to 2008) of homosexual sex, prostitution, venereal disease, and women's sexual dysfunction.
Abstract: Representative samples of the Czech population were surveyed with regard to sexual behavior in 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008 (N = 7,720) Lifetime prevalence of heterosexual anal intercourse increased from 1993 to 2008 (166% to 197% among women, 157% to 253% among men) Anal intercourse was associated with lifetime number of sex partners, current masturbation, and histories (prevalence of which increased from 1993 to 2008) of homosexual sex, prostitution, venereal disease (adjusted for number of sex partners), and women's sexual dysfunction The authors discuss the possible reasons for the increasing prevalence and the associations Multivariate predictors of ever having a sexual dysfunction or a venereal disease are also presented
TL;DR: Sexual functioning was reduced on most subscales for individuals who reported sexual inactivity in the past month, and increasing body mass index was associated with decreasing sexual functioning only for arousal and behavior.
Abstract: The authors assessed sexual functioning among treatment-seeking obese men (n = 91) and women (n = 134) using the comprehensive validated Sexual Functioning Questionnaire. Scores were lower for women than for men, indicating reduced sexual functioning. Men's scores fell between those of a group of cancer survivors and a general population group, whereas women generally had lower scores than both of these groups. Increasing body mass index was associated with decreasing sexual functioning only for arousal and behavior. Sexual functioning was also reduced on most subscales for individuals who reported sexual inactivity in the past month.
TL;DR: Empirical research on children with extreme gender variant behavior, formally characterized as gender identity disorder (GID) in the DSM-IV-TR, has been hampered by the relatively small number of research clinicians who work with this population, so the article by Hill, Menvielle, Sica, and Johnson (2010) is a welcome addition to the empirical literature.
Abstract: Empirical research on children with extreme gender variant behavior, formally characterized as gender identity disorder (GID) in the DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000), has been ham...
TL;DR: Preventative measures that target sleep and improvement in perception of partner's experiences could be used to buffer against decreases in relationship satisfaction among new parents.
Abstract: Separate research areas indicate that sleep quality, mood, and relationship satisfaction decline among couples during the postpartum period. Furthermore, accurate partner perceptions are associated with positive relationship qualities. In this study, 21 first-time postpartum mother-father dyads, contributed 1 week of continuous wrist actigraphy along with concurrent subjective Palm Pilot monitoring to provide objective and subjective sleep measures. Parents also reported on their own as well as their perception of their partners' sleep, mood, and relationship satisfaction. Greater objectively measured total sleep time was associated with greater relationship satisfaction. Mothers (a) underestimated fathers' self-reported frequency of nocturnal awakenings, as well as (b) relationship satisfaction, and (c) overestimated fathers' self-reported sleep quality. Fathers (a) underestimated mothers' self-reported duration of wake at night, as well as (b) sleep quality, and (c) overestimated mothers' self-reported mood disturbance. Preventative measures that target sleep and improvement in perception of partner's experiences could be used to buffer against decreases in relationship satisfaction among new parents.
TL;DR: The authors designed this study in order to understand changes in sexual behavior during pregnancy by collecting data through in-depth individual interviews on the most common reasons for ceasing sexual intercourse in the final stages of pregnancy.
Abstract: The authors designed this study in order to understand changes in sexual behavior during pregnancy The sample comprised 26 healthy women who were in at least their 37th week of pregnancy The authors collected data through in-depth individual interviews Participants reported the following most common reasons for ceasing sexual intercourse in the final stages of pregnancy: (a) physical discomfort during sex, (b) belief that it could be physically harmful to the fetus, (c) belief that it is sinful according to Islamic injunctions, (d) belief that the baby will be born "stained" because of the misperception of vernix caseosa as sperm, and (e) changes in sexual life at the recommendation of health professionals
TL;DR: Results showed that lower levels of desire in women clinically diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder were associated with diminished sexual satisfaction, increased sexually related distress, and fatigue or stress in the women's lives.
Abstract: This article presents data from a validation sample of 390 premenopausal women clinically diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) enrolled in the HSDD Registry for Women. Participants completed validated measures of sexual distress (e.g., Female Sexual Distress Scale Revised, Question 13) and sexual function including desire (e.g., Female Sexual Function Index). Results showed that lower levels of desire in these women were associated with diminished sexual satisfaction, increased sexually related distress, and fatigue or stress in the women's lives. In addition, the level of distress related to sexual desire decreased with age. The authors conclude that even among women with clinically diagnosed HSDD, the level of sexually related distress varies with situational factors, such as stress and fatigue.
TL;DR: Mixed model analyses showed that attachment-related dysfunctional working models of self and others predicted less improvement in psychopathology and problem-solving capacity in couples therapy, respectively.
Abstract: Vulnerability factors such as insecure attachment may have a lasting effect on the outcome of couples therapy, even long after discharge from treatment. Given that attachment has never been examined as an outcome predictor for couples therapy in the long term, the authors studied its effect on outcome during and after couples therapy. This prospective study included 71 inpatients participating in group couples therapy who the authors measured at baseline, immediately posttreatment at 2 months, and at 8 and 20 months, regarding two outcomes: problem-solving capacity (using the Interactional Problem Solving Questionnaire) and psychopathology (using the 90-item Symptom Check List). At baseline, the authors measured partner attachment (using the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire). Mixed model analyses showed that attachment-related dysfunctional working models of self and others predicted less improvement in psychopathology (p = .04) and problem-solving capacity (p = .01), respectively. Special attention to insecure attachment in couples therapy may therefore prove valuable in terms of outcome in the long run.
TL;DR: A qualitative evaluation explored the experiences and perceived benefits of students who participated in an abstinence-plus sex education program at enrollment and conclusion and identified main themes in responses made by students to 3 open-ended questions.
Abstract: A qualitative evaluation explored the experiences and perceived benefits of students who participated in an abstinence-plus sex education program at enrollment and conclusion. The sample included 1130 inner-city high school students, 73.7% of whom were Hispanic. Thematic analysis was used to identify main themes in responses made by students to 3 open-ended questions. The most common preparticipation request was for information about sexually transmitted infections. At program conclusion, the most common response theme involved the quality of course delivery. Students indicated that they appreciated the facilitators who allowed open conversations. The implications of these findings to sex education programs are discussed.
TL;DR: This commentary addresses a number of the issues raised by the publication of Taylor Segraves’ excellent article: “Considerations for an Evidence-BasedDefinition of Premature Ejaculation in the DSM V” (Segraves, 2010).
Abstract: This commentary addresses a number of the issues raised by the publication of Taylor Segraves’ excellent article in the Journal of Sexual Medicine: “Considerations for an Evidence-BasedDefinition of Premature Ejaculation in the DSM V” (Segraves, 2010). The points raised are divided among four areas of concern: (a) nomenclature, (b) etiology, (c) definition/diagnosis, and (d) recommendations/rationale.
TL;DR: Results indicated that assessment of sexual function should be seen as part of comprehensive psychiatric care to support recovery, and indicated that 10.7% experienced sexual difficulties.
Abstract: This study examined the social relationships and activities of married adults with sexual difficulties receiving inpatient psychiatric care in Ontario, Canada. The authors conducted secondary analysis of population-level data on 11,982 married inpatients who were assessed with the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health. The authors used descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and multivariate logistic regression techniques. Results indicated that 10.7% experienced sexual difficulties, which were related to higher likelihood of dysfunctional social relationships and to lower likelihood of social contact, especially among married women. These findings suggest that assessment of sexual function should be seen as part of comprehensive psychiatric care to support recovery.
TL;DR: The creation of “equally appealing” erotic stories was designed that were rated as being equally appealing to men and women to reduce the confounds of relying on separate materials when evaluating sex differences in arousal.
Abstract: Research on sexual arousal and erotica has focused primarily on men and women's responses to erotic films and stories designed for a sex-specific audience To reduce the confounds of relying on separate materials when evaluating sex differences in arousal, the present study designed suggestive and explicit erotic stories that were rated as being equally appealing to men and women Participants were 212 undergraduate students who completed self-report measures of sexual self-esteem, sexual desire, and pre- and posttest measures of arousal As hypothesized, women in the suggestive and explicit conditions reported a significant increase in sexual arousal; however, only men who read the explicit story demonstrated significant elevations in arousal The creation of "equally appealing" erotic stories has challenged the existing research paradigm and has initiated the investigation of sexual arousal from a set of common materials designed for both sexes The benefits of creating a series of equally appealing erotic materials extends beyond empirical research and may ultimately facilitate greater openness and communication between heterosexual couples
TL;DR: Picking off the foremost evolutionary theories for the occurrence of female orgasm, Elizabeth Lloyd presents a precise, well-argued, fantastically researched, devastating attack on the scientific “ consensus” on female orgasm.
Abstract: Picking off the foremost evolutionary theories for the occurrence of female orgasm, Elizabeth Lloyd presents a precise, well-argued, fantastically researched, devastating attack on the scientific “...
TL;DR: In this article, Singh, Bradley, and Zucker argued that their apples are different from the oranges in Hill, Menvielle, Sica, and Johnson (2010), and if you use a statistical test to detect differ...
Abstract: In effect, Singh, Bradley, and Zucker (2011) argued that their apples are different from the oranges in Hill, Menvielle, Sica, and Johnson (2010), and if you use a statistical test to detect differ...
TL;DR: Douglass et al. as discussed by the authors reviewed the Ironies of freedom: Sex, Culture, and Neoliberal Governance in Vietnam and published a review of the book, "The irony of freedom": Sex, culture, and neoliberal governance in Vietnam.
Abstract: A Review of “The Ironies of Freedom: Sex, Culture, and Neoliberal Governance in Vietnam” Megan Douglass M A To cite this article: Megan Douglass M A (2011) A Review of “The Ironies of Freedom: Sex, Culture, and Neoliberal Governance in Vietnam”, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 37:5, 441-443, DOI: 101080/0092623X2011606746 To link to this article: http://dxdoiorg/101080/0092623X2011606746