Showing papers in "Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 2014"
TL;DR: Husbands tended to report high levels of relationship satisfaction when their wives reported greater sexual satisfaction, and both components of intimacy—emotional and sexual—should be comprehensively addressed in research and clinical work with couples.
Abstract: Emotional and sexual aspects of intimacy in romantic relationships are important correlates of couples' relationship satisfaction. However, few studies have examined the effect of emotional and sexual aspects of intimacy on relationship satisfaction within the context of the interpersonal relationship processes. In addition, the association between emotional and sexual aspects of intimacy remains unclear. With a sample of 335 married couples from the Flourishing Families Project, the authors examined the associations between couple communication, emotional intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction, using the couple as the unit of analysis. The results of path analysis suggested that sexual satisfaction significantly predicted emotional intimacy for husbands and wives, while emotional intimacy did not appear to have a significant influence on sexual satisfaction. Further, mediation associations were suggested within as well as between spouses. Within spouses (for each spouse), emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction mediated the association between spouses' appraisal of their partners' communication and their own relationship satisfaction. Gender differences were revealed in terms of how a spouse's perception of sexual satisfaction is associated with his or her partner's relationship satisfaction. In this study, although wives' relationship satisfaction was not associated with their husbands' sexual satisfaction, husbands tended to report high levels of relationship satisfaction when their wives reported greater sexual satisfaction. Findings suggest that both components of intimacy--emotional and sexual--should be comprehensively addressed in research and clinical work with couples.
238 citations
TL;DR: A methodological review of empirical studies that evaluated a treatment for nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior indicates that much of the outcome research in the field contains significant methodological limitations.
Abstract: Research on nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior has increased in recent years. In the present article, the authors conducted a methodological review of empirical studies that evaluated a treatment for nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior. The authors reviewed several characteristics of the extant studies, including the participants, research designs, treatments evaluated, assessment of nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior, and outcomes. Despite several attempts to explore treatments aimed at attenuating the symptoms of nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior, the findings from this review indicate that much of the outcome research in the field contains significant methodological limitations. The authors conclude by offering recommendations to enhance future outcome research among investigators working with hypersexual populations.
95 citations
TL;DR: The historical context, proposed diagnostic criteria, evaluation protocols, comorbid disorders, speculations about the neuroscience, and treatment recommendations for sexual compulsivity and cybersex addiction are presented.
Abstract: There have been several diagnostic labels for persistent, excessive sexual behaviors, often referred in the popular media as sex addiction. Two related diagnoses, Internet addictive disorder and hypersexual disorder, were considered for, but not included in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, most clinicians, even those trained in sexual disorders or addiction medicine, have little to no training in treating sexual compulsivity and cybersex addiction. The authors present the historical context, proposed diagnostic criteria, evaluation protocols, comorbid disorders, speculations about the neuroscience, and treatment recommendations.
88 citations
TL;DR: The Iranian version of the International Index of Erectile Function was found to be a highly valid and reliable instrument to be used for the assessment of erectile function in clinical and population samples.
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the psychometric values of a Farsi-translated version of the International Index of Erectile Function among a population sample of Iranian men. A community sample of 2,345 healthy men and a clinical sample of 421 men with diagnosed erectile function from 2 cities of Iran participated in the study. Participants were asked to complete the International Index of Erectile Function, the Life Satisfaction questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire at baseline. Four weeks later, both samples were asked to recomplete the International Index of Erectile Function. The response rates were 84% (n = 1,969) and 98% (n = 412) for healthy men and men with erectile function, respectively. The retest reliability of the International Index of Erectile Function showed excellent intraclass correlation coefficients for both the healthy and patient samples. The International Index of Erectile Function subscales correlated significantly with the scores resulting from the clinical rating of erectile function conducted by urologists. Men with erectile function, as diagnosed by urologists, had significant lower scores in all subscales. The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated that the International Index of Erectile Function could be summarized into a 5-component solution.The Iranian version of the International Index of Erectile Function was found to be a highly valid and reliable instrument to be used for the assessment of erectile function in clinical and population samples.
65 citations
TL;DR: This article describes theoretical ideas on how sexuality and relationships can be linked through motivation and emotion regulation and illustrated how partner variables, relationship processes, and sociorelational context may interact with these different responses and eventually shape how sexual emotions are generated and regulated.
Abstract: To date, theory and research on the interpersonal dynamics of sexuality is scarce. This is remarkable because people most often have sex in a relationship. To create more valid models of sexual functioning, it is important to go beyond the study of individual factors and take into account relational and contextual variables, which may act as risk and protective factors for developing, maintaining, and exacerbating sexual problems. This article describes theoretical ideas on how sexuality and relationships can be linked through motivation and emotion regulation. First, the sexual system is conceptualized as an emotion regulation device that involves a dynamic interplay between cognitive, affective, and motivational responses. Then, it is illustrated how partner variables, relationship processes, and sociorelational context may interact with these different responses and eventually shape how sexual emotions are generated and regulated. The author continues with explaining the implications of such emotion-motivational perspective for studying determinants of sexual responding, the role of coregulation in tuning sexual responses in the couple, and the interrelation between the sexual and relational goals of both partners. Linking sexual and nonsexual aspects of relationships and including data of both couple members is necessary for a clearer insight into the nature of sexual dysfunctions.
58 citations
TL;DR: In general, cybersex activity was higher for single participants, although it was also significant for participants with a steady partner, and the influence was found to be greater in men than in women.
Abstract: The authors focus on the influence of participants’ having or not having a steady partner when reference to cybersex use. Participants were 1,239 young, Spanish individuals who completed the Internet Sex Screening Test. Results showed the influence of being in a relationship on certain consumption dimensions of cybersex; the influence was found to be greater in men than in women. In general, cybersex activity was higher for single participants, although it was also significant for participants with a steady partner. The authors’ findings facilitate the comprehension of the effect of new technologies in intimate human relationships.
57 citations
TL;DR: It is discovered that gay men have particular sexual roles and can engage in novel accommodation practices, such as open relationships, that have not been noted in heterosexual couples.
Abstract: This exploratory study examines the experience of three gay couples managing sexual dysfunction as a result of undergoing a radical prostatectomy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of a larger study at an urban hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The authors clustered 18 subordinate themes under 3 superordinate themes: (a) acknowledging change in sexual experience (libido, erectile function, sexual activity, orgasmic function); (b) accommodating change in sexual experience (strategies: emphasizing intimacy, embracing plan B, focus on the other; barriers: side-effect concerns, loss of naturalness, communication breakdown, failure to initiate, trial and failure, partner confounds); and (c) accepting change in sexual experience (indicators: emphasizing health, age attributions, finding a new normal; barriers: uncertain outcomes, treatment regrets). Although gay couples and heterosexual couples share many similar challenges, we discovered that gay men have particular sexual roles and can engage in novel accommodation practices, such as open relationships, that have not been noted in heterosexual couples. All couples, regardless of their level of sexual functioning, highlighted the need for more extensive programming related to sexual rehabilitation. Equitable rehabilitative support is critical to assist homosexual couples manage distress associated with prostatectomy-related sexual dysfunction.
56 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that early- and late-onset male-to-females differ considerably with regard to coping strategies involving their body during sexual relations and initial insights into developmental pathways of late-ONSet female- to-males are revealed.
Abstract: A transsexual course of development that starts before puberty (early onset) or during or after puberty, respectively (late onset), may lead to diverse challenges in coping with sexual activity. The authors explored the sexual behavior of 380 adult male-to-female and female-to-male individuals diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria who had not yet undergone gender-confirming interventions. Data originated from the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence Initiative, conducted in Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, and Norway. Information on outcome variables was collected using self-administered questionnaires at first clinical presentation. Compared with late-onset male-to-females, early-onset individuals tended to show sexual attraction toward males more frequently (50.5%), involve genitals less frequently in partner-related sexual activity, and consider penile sensations and orgasm as more negative. Early-onset female-to-males predominantly reported sexual attraction toward females (84.0%), whereas those with a late-onset more frequently showed other sexual attractions (41.7%). The study (a) shows that early- and late-onset male-to-females differ considerably with regard to coping strategies involving their body during sexual relations and (b) reveals initial insights into developmental pathways of late-onset female-to-males.
48 citations
TL;DR: Prevalence of childhood sexual abuse was high in women (56%) and men (37%), and clients with a history of childhoodSexual abuse were more likely to report psychological and relationship problems and should aware clinicians of the need to assess sexual trauma and related outcomes.
Abstract: The main objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in individuals consulting for sexual therapy and to explore the association between a history of childhood sexual abuse and psychological and couple functioning. A sample of 218 adults receiving sex therapy completed questionnaires assessing depressive and anxious symptomatology, as well as dyadic adjustment. Prevalence of childhood sexual abuse was high in women (56%) and men (37%), and clients with a history of childhood sexual abuse were more likely to report psychological and relationship problems. Findings should aware clinicians of the need to assess sexual trauma and related outcomes.
47 citations
TL;DR: Pursuing Pleasure was an online, mindfulness-based, cognitive behavioral therapy for female sexual difficulties and observed significant improvements in sexual intimacy and communication, and emotional intimacy improved significantly in the Study 1 treatment group.
Abstract: This article presents the evaluation of an online treatment for female sexual difficulties as it relates to relationship functioning. Pursuing Pleasure was an online, mindfulness-based, cognitive behavioral therapy for female sexual difficulties. In Study 1, 26 women completed treatment and changes were compared with a waitlist control group (n = 31). In Study 2, 16 women from the control group then completed treatment. The authors did not use a control group in Study 2. Results demonstrated that both treatment groups observed significant improvements in sexual intimacy and communication, and emotional intimacy improved significantly in the Study 1 treatment group. Most improvements were maintained at follow-up.
46 citations
TL;DR: There was a moderate, positive relation between nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and depressive symptoms (r =.34), and this relation was similar across gender, sexual orientation, and age.
Abstract: Research on nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and its associated characteristics has increased in recent years. In the present article, the authors review the literature on the relation between nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and depressive symptoms. There was a moderate, positive relation between nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and depressive symptoms (r =.34). This relation was similar across gender, sexual orientation, and age. The authors discuss the implications for researchers and clinicians working with hypersexual individuals. Future research should work to elucidate the causal direction of the relation between nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and depressive symptoms. The authors encourage clinicians who work with hypersexual patients to assess them for depressive symptoms and consider treatment options that address concurrent depressive symptoms.
TL;DR: Therapists can use these findings to show clients the positive relation between revealing sexual information and relationship satisfaction and closeness, as reported by individuals experiencing relationship satisfaction.
Abstract: This study examines sexual communication by describing the content of sexual disclosures within marital relationships and assessing the association between sexual disclosures and relational outcomes, specifically relational satisfaction and closeness A survey administered to 293 married individuals (58% female) who had an average age of 40 years (range = 20–73), 137 years of marriage (range = 1 month to 54 years), and who reported high levels of relational satisfaction assessed the relation between the content of sexual disclosures and satisfaction and closeness While sexual disclosures are made infrequently, positive affect and sexual preferences are disclosed more than negative topics and disclosing sexual information is positively related to relationship satisfaction, rρ(280) =26, p <001; and closeness, rs(280) =475, p <01 Therapists can use these findings to show clients the positive relation between revealing sexual information and relationship satisfaction and closeness, as reported by indiv
TL;DR: Large positive effects for sexual/romantic reactions and social/academic engagement reactions in comparison with negative personal reactions were demonstrated and higher ratings of anxious attachment, loneliness, and relational/intimacy sex motives were related to less positive reactions, highlighting the importance of attachment and motivations behind hookup experiences.
Abstract: Hooking up, a relatively common behavior among young adults, refers to a casual sexual encounter, ranging from kissing to sexual intercourse, without an expectation of ongoing physical encounters or relational commitment. Reactions to hooking up have examined psychosocial outcomes as a proxy for specific reactions. The present study examined the reactions of 190 college women, with a specific focus on the effect of hooking up on their social/peer network, their sexual/romantic sense of self, and their academic performance. Results demonstrated large positive effects for sexual/romantic reactions and social/academic engagement reactions in comparison with negative personal reactions. In addition, higher ratings of anxious attachment, loneliness, and relational/intimacy sex motives were related to less positive reactions, highlighting the importance of attachment and motivations behind hookup experiences. Implications for educational practice and future research are offered.
TL;DR: The authors investigated honesty regarding pornography use and mutual consumption between partners, along with honesty and mutual use as predictors of satisfaction, which significantly predicted relationship dissatisfaction.
Abstract: The authors discuss findings pertaining to male pornography use and female partners' relationship satisfaction and distress. The authors investigated honesty regarding pornography use and mutual consumption between partners, along with honesty and mutual use as predictors of satisfaction. Female participants (N = 340) in committed relationships completed the Pornography Distress Scale and Couples Satisfaction Index online. Participants reporting more honesty showed higher satisfaction and lower levels of distress, and participants disclosing mutual use showed lower levels of distress, although no differences were reported in satisfaction. Honesty regarding pornography use significantly predicted relationship dissatisfaction. Directions for future research and counseling implications are discussed.
TL;DR: It is suggested that object of desire self-consciousness may be an adaptive, evolved psychological mechanism allowing sexual and romantic tactics suitable to one's mate value and can act as a signal that one has high mate value in the sexual marketplace.
Abstract: In this article, the authors discuss the construct of object of desire self-consciousness, the perception that one is romantically and sexually desirable in another's eyes. The authors discuss the nature of the construct, variations in its expression, and how it may function as part of a self-schemata or script related to romance and sexuality. The authors suggest that object of desire self-consciousness may be an adaptive, evolved psychological mechanism allowing sexual and romantic tactics suitable to one's mate value. The authors also suggest that it can act as a signal that one has high mate value in the sexual marketplace. The authors then review literature (e.g., on fantasies, on sexual activity preferences, on sexual dysfunctions, on language) suggesting that object of desire self-consciousness plays a particularly important role in heterosexual women's sexual/romantic functioning and desires.
TL;DR: The results support recent proposals to merge the two diagnostic categories of female sexual arousal disorder and hyposexual desire disorder into a single diagnostic category.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand how men and women define sexual desire and sexual arousal and how they distinguish between the two. The authors conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with individuals in South East England, using a purposive sampling strategy to maximize the variation in experience of sexual function across the group. The authors identified three criteria that participants used to define and distinguish between desire and arousal: the sequence in which they occurred; whether the mind or the body (or both) were engaged; and the extent to which feelings of desire or arousal were responsive (in response to person or stimulus) and motivational (oriented toward a goal). Most participants attempted to distinguish between desire and arousal when prompted, but often with difficulty. Participants commonly felt that desire preceded arousal; some felt that desire was "mind" and arousal "body"; and many felt that both desire and arousal were responsive and motivational. However, the authors identified numerous times when these distinctions were reversed or the differences between terms were blurred. The results support recent proposals to merge the two diagnostic categories of female sexual arousal disorder and hyposexual desire disorder into a single diagnostic category.
TL;DR: This study provides a novel approach for understanding nonmonogamous same-sex relationships and highlights their complexity.
Abstract: The authors used latent class analysis to investigate rules guiding nonmonogamy in partnered gay and bisexual men. Data are from a 2010 survey (N = 463) from which those in relationships (n = 191) were analyzed. More than half (56%) were nonmonogamous, and these men responded to 13 rules about sex outside of their relationship. The safe anonymous sex group (34%) included men who indicated that they must use condoms for anal sex and not have sex with people they know. The communication mandate group (19%) included men who indicated that they must talk about outside partners before sex occurs, disclose their relationship status to outside partners, and use condoms for anal sex. The play together group (9%) included men who indicated that they must play with others as a couple, not have anal sex with outside partners, and not spend the night with outside partners. Those in the no salient rule group (37%) were individuals who did not endorse a clear set of rules. These 4 groups (and compared with monogamous men) differed in age, agreement formality and flexibility, relationship satisfaction, and whether anal sex recently occurred with casual partners. This study provides a novel approach for understanding nonmonogamous same-sex relationships and highlights their complexity.
TL;DR: The authors found that the HIV-positive participants increased their levels of resilience, social support, and quality of life and that they reported fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress at the completion of the intervention; most of these changes were sustained at the 3-month follow-up.
Abstract: This pilot study aimed at fostering resilience among people living with HIV and improving the HIV-negative participants' acceptance of people living with HIV. A group of 75 people living with HIV who were former blood/plasma donors and 36 HIV-negative fellow villagers in rural China participated in the intervention. The 8 sessions lasted for 4 months and were facilitated by trained local family-planning officers. Efficacy of the intervention was assessed using a pre- and postprogram study design; measurements were made at baseline, at completion, and 3 months afterward completion. The authors found that the HIV-positive participants increased their levels of resilience, social support, and quality of life and that they reported fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress at the completion of the intervention; most of these changes were sustained at the 3-month follow-up. Such participants also reported subjective improvements on problem-solving skills, self-confidence, and a feeling of being cared for by others. In addition, the HIV-negative participants' discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV were reduced after completing the intervention. The majority of the participants was satisfied with the intervention and would recommend it to others. The train-the-trainer approach was used effectively. Positive effects of the intervention have been revealed and future randomized controlled studies are warranted.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present characteristics of asexuality and review biological, psychological, and sociodemographic factors associated with it, given the suggestion of existing overlap with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
Abstract: Although there has been increasing interest in asexuality during the past decade, still little is known on this topic. To define asexuality, three different approaches have been proposed: a definition that is based on sexual behavior, one on sexual desire/sexual attraction, one on self-identification, and one on a combination of these. Depending on the definition used, reported prevalence rates range from 0.6% to 5.5%. In this article, the authors present characteristics of asexuality and review biological, psychological, and sociodemographic factors associated with asexuality. Given the suggestion of existing overlap with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, special attention is paid to similarities and differences between this condition and asexuality. It is further noted that theoretical models to understand (the etiology) of asexuality are underdeveloped.
TL;DR: It appears that sexual function is associated with sociodemographic characteristics of Iranian middle-aged women and Gender-sensitive counseling and medical services for aging Iranian women can improve the quality of women's sexual lives.
Abstract: The study aimed to explore associations between sexual function, demographic variables, health and menopausal status among middle-aged Iranian women. Participants were 200 Iranian middle-aged women (40–65 years). All women completed the Female Sexual Function Index and the Brief Profile of Female Sexual Function. Data were analyzed using a Pearson correlation statistical test, a one-way analysis of variance, an independent t test, and a linear regression analysis. Advanced age, lower education, and socioeconomic status were significantly correlated with the lower scores on the Female Sexual Function Index. Lower scores on the Female Sexual Function Index were associated with being retired; having a hysterectomy or oophorectomy; and presence of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, health problems, prescription drug use, and cold sweats. There were no significant associations between middle-aged women's sexual function and ethnicity, body mass index, alcohol consumption, severity of hot flashes, and hot flash freq...
TL;DR: Results suggest that contextual factors (e.g., daily stressors, depression) are important considerations when assessing problems with sexual functioning.
Abstract: Psychological stressors can interfere with sexual function through psychological and physiological mechanisms. Chronic stress, in particular, seems to have a negative effect on sexual functioning for men and women. The present study was designed to identify categories of stressors that contribute to sexual difficulties as well as assess the role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between stress and sexual function. Participants were recruited for an online survey in which they completed questionnaires on daily stressors, anxiety, depression, and sexual function. Results indicated that daily stressors predicted lower scores on sexual satisfaction for men and women and sexual activity for women. These effects were mediated by scores on the depression scale. Daily stressors, depression, and anxiety were highly correlated. A factor analysis of stressors resulted in 5 distinct categories of stressors. Of these, financial stressors and stressors related to low socioeconomic status were related to low...
TL;DR: Tests of incremental validity demonstrated that therapist average alliance score and therapist experience uniquely accounted for the variance in outcomes attributed to the therapist.
Abstract: This study examined whether therapist gender, professional discipline, experience conducting couple therapy, and average second-session alliance score would account for the variance in outcomes attributed to the therapist. The authors investigated therapist variability in couple therapy with 158 couples randomly assigned to and treated by 18 therapists in a naturalistic setting. Consistent with previous studies in individual therapy, in this study therapists accounted for 8.0% of the variance in client outcomes and 10% of the variance in client alliance scores. Therapist average alliance score and experience conducting couple therapy were salient predictors of client outcomes attributed to therapist. In contrast, therapist gender and discipline did not significantly account for the variance in client outcomes attributed to therapists. Tests of incremental validity demonstrated that therapist average alliance score and therapist experience uniquely accounted for the variance in outcomes attributed to the therapist. Emphasis on improving therapist alliance quality and specificity of therapist experience in couple therapy are discussed.
TL;DR: The authors found a positive moderate level correlation between the sexual quality of life for women and their marital adjustment for being pregnant and this implies that the variance in the sexual activity during the childbearing period does occur and pregnant women need to be assessed regularly with regards to their sexuality by health care providers in a professional atmosphere.
Abstract: Pregnancy is an important period of a woman's life that can affect marital relationships because of decrease in the sexual function. This study aimed to examine the effect of sexual life on the marital adjustment of 607 healthy, pregnant women using the self-administered Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female and the Marital Adjustment Scale. Results showed that 30% of the pregnant women experienced problems during sexual intercourse and 50% had painful intercourse. The median total score of the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female for pregnant women was 35.5, and the median total score of the Marital Adjustment Scale was 41.0. The authors found a positive moderate level correlation between the sexual quality of life for women and their marital adjustment for being pregnant (r = 0.468, p =.001). The results imply that the variance in the sexual activity during the childbearing period does occur and pregnant women need to be assessed regularly with regards to their sexuality by health care providers in a professional atmosphere.
TL;DR: This study aimed to identify health issues that affect young men and the barriers they experience in accessing care and suggested strategies to attract men to family planning clinics that are consistent with a youth culture.
Abstract: This study aimed to identify health issues that affect young men and the barriers they experience in accessing care. Participants were 48 minority men 18–28 years old, distributed among 9 focus groups. Four main themes emerged in the study. First, the authors identified sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, and drug use as major health issues. Second, participants identified attitudinal and institutional barriers to accessing care. This included denial; fear; embarrassment; perception that it is not considered manly to seek help; cost; and accessibility. Third, focus group participants felt that services have to be augmented in order to address the specific needs of men. Last, participants suggested strategies to attract men to family planning clinics that are consistent with a youth culture. Focus groups are effective in obtaining input in order to augment services for men.
TL;DR: Morgentaler provides therapists and patients potentially life-changing treatment options that addresses the challenges of being a man in this changing cultural environment while managing to highlight man’s fundamental humanity.
Abstract: Dr. Fletcher and his colleagues open The Science of Intimate Relationships with the famous account of the mythical multigendered creature from Plato's Symposium. This account also appears in Dr. Fl...
TL;DR: The present study enrolled 11 men and used a randomized wait list–controlled design, and results provide further support for the efficacy of this novel treatment intervention and suggest that effects are stable or improved further 6 months after completing treatment.
Abstract: Premature ejaculation is usually considered to be the most common male sexual complaint. Psychosocial treatment interventions have been recommended by clinicians since the 1950s, but concerns have been raised regarding their efficacy, especially so since the introduction of pharmaceutical treatment interventions. However, as noted in reviews and meta-analyses, one reason for these concerns is the lack of methodologically robust studies that have attempted to evaluate the efficacy of psychosocial treatment interventions. The present study aimed to replicate a recent study showing promising results for a behavioral treatment intervention using a handheld, vibrating stimulation device in a variation of the classical stop-start technique first introduced by Semans in 1956. The present study enrolled 11 men and used a randomized wait list-controlled design. Results provide further support for the efficacy of this novel treatment intervention and suggest that effects are stable or improved further 6 months after completing treatment. The present study contributes to the growing number of studies that suggest that psychosocial treatment interventions are promising alternatives to pharmacological treatment.
TL;DR: This study demonstrates how the use of chat groups in the online treatment of female sexual dysfunctions is a useful addition to Internet-based treatment.
Abstract: Because of the embarrassment that can surround female sexual dysfunctions, online interventions offer an anonymous and private treatment alternative. Recently, an online cognitive-behavioral treatment for female sexual dysfunctions was evaluated. Although significant improvements were observed in sexual functioning, the treatment was primarily a behavioral intervention because of difficulties with engaging participants in cognitive therapy over e-mail. To address this limitation, the use of chat groups was incorporated into a new online treatment for female sexual dysfunctions-the PursuingPleasure program. Thirty-eight women participated in the PursuingPleasure chat groups. The goals of the chat groups were to address and overcome challenges as women progressed through PursuingPleasure and to create a social support network where group therapy processes could be used. The chat groups aimed to address misunderstandings, monitor changes, and receive feedback. A qualitative analysis of the chat groups revealed that they helped to facilitate the cognitive-affective aspects of the program, as well as fulfill their other intended functions. This study demonstrates how the use of chat groups in the online treatment of female sexual dysfunctions is a useful addition to Internet-based treatment. Feedback suggests that the chat groups were one of the most helpful aspects of the program, although a small group of women reported finding the groups unhelpful.
TL;DR: Investigating the degree to which relationship commitment, partner-focused forgivingness, and marital values were associated with relationship quality, and how these variables predicted relationship quality found relationship commitment to be the largest single predictor of relationship quality.
Abstract: Mixed-orientation couples are defined as a heterosexual couple in which 1 partner experiences same-sex attraction and the other does not. Despite the fact that there is a sizable number of mixed-orientation couples in the U.S. adult population, few researchers have studied this population, and thus, there is limited understanding of these relationships. The authors examined the degree to which relationship commitment, partner-focused forgivingness, and marital values were associated with relationship quality, and how these variables predicted relationship quality. The total sample (N = 265) consisted of 2 independent samples-105 sexual minorities (i.e., the spouse who experiences same-sex attraction) and 160 heterosexual spouses. The data were not dyadic. Together, commitment, partner-focused forgivingness, and marital values accounted for roughly 43% of the variance in relationship quality. Relationship commitment was found to be the largest single predictor of relationship quality, followed by partner-focused forgivingness. Research and clinical implications are discussed. This study significantly adds to the current research base by quantitatively measuring various variables in these relationships, as well as expanding our understanding of relationship quality in mixed-orientation couples and factors that may play a role.
TL;DR: It is argued that application of Botulinum toxin in the periclitoral region in order to block the dorsal nerve of the clitoris might decrease symptoms of persistent genital arousal disorder.
Abstract: Persistent genital arousal disorder is described in a spontaneous, persistent, and uncontrollable genital arousal in women, with or without orgasm or genital engorgement, unrelated to any feelings of sexual desire This study aimed to argue that application of Botulinum toxin in the periclitoral region in order to block the dorsal nerve of the clitoris might decrease symptoms of persistent genital arousal disorder The authors presented 2 cases, in which application of Botulinum toxin resulted in improvement of the symptoms of persistent genital arousal disorder Botulinum toxin type A treatment protocol is seen as a promising application for the persistent genital arousal disorder However, further controlled studies in large samples are needed
TL;DR: In this article, the associations among attachment system type, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction in adult couples in stable relationships were explored, and a positive relation was found between the number of years spent living together and greater contentment with the relationship.
Abstract: This study aimed to explore the associations among attachment system type, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction in adult couples in stable relationships. Participants were 294 couples between the ages of 20 and 70 years who answered self-administered questionnaires. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that the anxiety and avoidance, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction dimensions were closely related. Specifically, the avoidance dimension, but not the anxiety dimension, corresponded to lower levels of sexual and marital satisfaction. Moreover, for the sexual satisfaction variable, an interaction effect was observed between the gender of the actor and avoidance of the partner, which was observed only in men. In the marital satisfaction dimension, effects were apparent only at the individual level; a positive relation was found between the number of years spent living together and greater contentment with the relationship. These results confirm the hypothetical association between attach...