Showing papers in "Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 2021"
TL;DR: Both watching alone and watching together were related to higher levels of psychological aggression between partners, with few differences by gender.
Abstract: Pornography viewing has been cross-sectionally and longitudinally linked to poorer romantic relationship quality. However, only a few studies have looked at (1) the associations of changes in pornography viewing over time with relationship characteristics, (2) differential impacts of watching alone and watching with one's partner, and (3) how gender moderates these associations. The current study utilizes multilevel modeling to assess for between- and within-subject effects of watching pornography alone versus together on romantic relationship quality over time. A random national sample of 1,234 individuals, who began the study in unmarried heterosexual romantic relationships of at least 2 months' duration, completed five waves of mail-in surveys over a 20-month period. Watching pornography alone was generally associated with poorer relationship quality for men (e.g., lower relationship adjustment and commitment, less emotional intimacy), but better relationship quality for women. People who reported watching more pornography with their partner reported more relationship intimacy and increases in watching together over time were associated with increases in sexual intimacy. Both watching alone and watching together were related to higher levels of psychological aggression between partners, with few differences by gender. Implications for sex education, relationship education, and couples therapy will be discussed.
21 citations
TL;DR: Most men believe that the average length of an erect penis is greater than 6 inches (15.24 cm) as discussed by the authors, due to several often-cited studies that relied on self-reported measurements.
Abstract: Most men believe that the average length of an erect penis is greater than 6 inches (15.24 cm). This belief is due, in part, to several often-cited studies that relied on self-reported measurements...
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the psychological functioning among gender diverse adolescents and adults who identify beyond the binary gender spectrum and found that a higher degree of psychological problems was predicted by identifying more strongly with a non-binary identity.
Abstract: Gender diverse individuals who do not conform to society’s binary gender expectations are more likely to experience difficulties in acceptance and in recognition of gender, compared to binary-identifying transgender people. This may accentuate the feeling that their gender identity is not socially recognized or validated. This study aimed to investigate psychological functioning among gender diverse adolescents and adults who identify beyond the binary gender spectrum. In both study populations, 589 clinically-referred gender diverse adolescents from the UK (n = 438 birth-assigned females and n = 151 birth-assigned males), and 632 clinically-referred gender diverse adults from the Netherlands (n = 278 birth-assigned females and n = 354birth-assigned males), we found that a higher degree of psychological problems was predicted by identifying more strongly with a non-binary identity. For adolescents, more psychological problems were related to having a non-binary gender identity and being assigned female at birth. In the adult population, experiencing psychological difficulties was also significantly related to having a stronger non-binary identity and having a younger age. Clinicians working with gender diverse people should be aware that applicants for physical interventions might have a broader range of gender identities than a binary transgender one, and that people with a non-binary gender identity may, for various reasons, be particularly vulnerable to psychological difficulties.
14 citations
Abstract: Gender detransition is an emerging yet poorly understood phenomenon in our society. In the absence of research, clinicians and researchers have applied the concept of detransition differently, leading to inconsistencies in its use. The article suggests a typology of gender detransition based on the cessation or the continuation of a transgender identity to address this issue. Implications of this typology for healthcare providers are discussed, emphasizing the increasing necessity of developing clinical guidelines for detransitioners. Finally, the article reflects on the possibilities of preventing detransition, which underlines the challenges that clinicians face when treating individuals with gender dysphoria.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors estimate the prevalence of sexual behaviors and experiences of Black women's partnered behaviors at their most recent sexual event using data from a subset of 980 Black women.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sexual behaviors and experiences of Black women’s partnered behaviors at their most recent sexual event. Data were from a subset of 980 B...
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a systematic review and thematic synthesis were conducted on the motivations, purposes, and influence of pornography use among women who are in committed relationships and found that women watched pornography for diverse reasons: to feel sexually empowered, to enhance sexual arousal, and for masturbation purposes.
Abstract: A systematic review and thematic synthesis were conducted on the motivations, purposes, and influence of pornography use among women who are in committed relationships. Pornography use was identified as having both positive and negative outcomes for women's sexual and relationship lives. Women watched pornography for diverse reasons: to feel sexually empowered, to enhance sexual arousal, and for masturbation purposes. Shared use of pornography with partners provided variety in sexual activities, could aid communication about sexual issues and helped improve intimacy. Pornography use can help some women feel sexually empowered, relaxed and better able to enjoy their sexual lives.
11 citations
TL;DR: This model is based on previous literature and hours of clinical work in sex therapy and attachment theory-based therapy, and identifies important factors that have not been adequately accounted for in the literature.
Abstract: Sexual dysfunctions are very prevalent among survivors of childhood sexual abuse. While the relationship between sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction is well-established, understanding of the mechan...
10 citations
TL;DR: The results confirm that some women can experience spontaneous genital sensations that can vary in intensity and duration, and can be associated with a wide range of emotions, but the results seem to suggest the importance of other factors in the evaluation of the symptoms, rather than factors related to their nature and intensity or age and sexual orientation.
Abstract: There are very few studies in literature about Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) prevalence to date, and no one has ever been done in Italy. This study replicated the earlier Canadian rese...
10 citations
TL;DR: Men in this study listed several ways they felt desired, many that fell outside of traditional gender roles such as romantic, non-sexual touch and having women initiate sexual activity as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Current sexual scripts for heterosexual relationships in the Western world stipulate that men should be the ones to initiate sexual activity, push to the next level of physical intimacy, and to desire women (and not be desirable themselves). However, there is building evidence that sexual scripts and gender roles are not only limited, they may be evolving and shifting over time. The purpose of the current study was to explore the degree to which feeling desired is considered important to heterosexual men in intimate relationships as well as how heterosexual men feel desired by their partners. Three hundred men between the ages of 18 and 65 were recruited from the online platform Reddit. Using Thematic Analysis, we determined that the vast majority of men in this study felt that feeling desired was very important to their sexual experiences. Men in this study listed several ways they felt desired, many that fell outside of traditional gender roles such as romantic, non-sexual touch and having women initiate sexual activity. The findings add to a growing body of literature which suggests traditional sexual scripts for heterosexual men may be limiting and not accurate for all men's sexual experiences.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined associations between having ever been choked and participants' current mental health symptoms (e.g., feeling depressed, anxious, sad, lonely) in prior 30 days and in the prior year.
Abstract: Choking/strangulation during sex is prevalent among young adults in the United States. We examined associations between having ever been choked and participants' current mental health symptoms (e.g., feeling depressed, anxious, sad, lonely) in the prior 30 days and in the prior year. Participants were 4352 randomly sampled undergraduates who completed a confidential online survey and reported lifetime partnered sexual activity. 33.6% of women and 6.0% of men reported having been choked more than five times. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, having been choked remained significantly associated with all four mental health outcomes, except for overwhelming anxiety among men.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined associations between gender affirming treatment and sexual desire in trans people, and found that GAT can have an influence on body image and sexual satisfaction.
Abstract: It has been posited that gender-affirming treatment (GAT) can have an influence on body image and sexual desire in trans people. This study aims to examine associations between GAT and sexual desir...
TL;DR: Using an actor–partner interdependence model, this study found significant indirect effects indicating that forgiveness and gratitude mediated many of the associations between couples’ mindfulness and their sexual and relational satisfaction.
Abstract: The association of mindfulness with couples’ relational and sexual satisfaction may be mediated by forgiveness and gratitude. Although forgiveness and gratitude have individually been shown to play...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used 1,627 couples from wave III of the Couple Relationships and Transition Experiences (CREATE) study and found that sexual mindfulness moderated the association between conflict resolution and sexual satisfaction.
Abstract: Mindfulness has shown positive links with conflict resolution. Additionally, couples skilled in conflict resolution report greater sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, no research has examined the moderating effect of mindfulness, specifically sexual mindfulness, between conflict resolution and sexual and relationship satisfaction. We used 1,627 couples from wave III of the Couple Relationships and Transition Experiences (CREATE) study. Sexual mindfulness moderated the association between conflict resolution and sexual satisfaction, even after controlling for attachment. Wives higher in sexual mindful awareness may rely less on conflict resolution for their sexual satisfaction. Karremans and colleagues' (2017) model of mindfulness and romantic relationships provides a framework for testing whether, when, and how mindfulness increases positive romantic relationship processes and outcomes. Under this framework, mindfulness may provide a mechanism to help couples achieve sexual and relationship satisfaction. Mindfulness and sexual mindfulness may provide a useful mechanism for therapists, educators, social workers, and couples to enhance satisfaction within the romantic and sexual relationship even without partner buy-in.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the relationship between emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, anxiety, depression and sexual addiction and found that individuals with sexual addiction reported more difficulty regulating emotions and higher levels of impulsivity than those individuals who were not defined as having a sexual addiction.
Abstract: The present research aimed to study the relationship between emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, anxiety, depression and sexual addiction. A survey was conducted among 398 voluntary subjects recruited online through specialized forums. The participants completed validated questionnaires. Our results showed that individuals with sexual addiction reported more difficulty regulating emotions and higher levels of impulsivity than those individuals who were not defined as having a sexual addiction. In addition, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with sexual addiction. Furthermore, anxiety and depression seemed to partially mediate the links between impulsivity, emotion dysregulation and this addiction. Finally, emotion dysregulation and impulsivity had mediating effects on the relationship between anxious-depressive affects and sexual addiction. Despite the limitations of this study, our results seem to be consistent with the literature on sexual addiction and have clinical and research implications.
TL;DR: Results indicate the Schirmer Tear Test strips are sensitive enough to detect increases in lubrication and may be valuable in clinical and research assessments of female sexual arousal.
Abstract: Changes in vaginal blood flow and lubrication are primary components of physiological sexual arousal in women. Despite the existence of well-established tools for measuring vaginal blood flow, ther...
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted to investigate whether the coronavirus is transmitted through sexual contact, and the authors found that the virus is transmitted via sexual contact in most people's lives.
Abstract: Given the important role of sexual activity in most people’s lives, in response to the question of whether the coronavirus is transmitted through sexual contact, this study was conducted to investi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated sexual function in male and female COPD patients and identified associated factors, and found that sexual function was associated with lung function in both male and females.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate sexual function in male and female COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients and identify associated factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional st...
TL;DR: The authors found that women with negative genital self-image are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, but the processes underlying this association are unknown, and they theorized that this association is mediated by negative self-images.
Abstract: Women with negative genital self-image are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction , but the processes underlying this association are unknown. We theorized that this association is mediated b...
TL;DR: Examination of the moderator role of relationship satisfaction in the association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual difficulties in adulthood indicated that CSA survivors who were highly dissatisfied with their relationships reported more sexual difficulties than those who were satisfied with their relationship.
Abstract: Research has revealed a significant prevalence of sexual problems in adulthood among child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors, yet many survivors do not report such difficulties. This study examined the ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a non-representative sample of 20 women and 208 men who self-identified as having a sexual interest in children was used to examine sexological features of sexual interest among women.
Abstract: There are few empirical studies examining sexological features of sexual interest in children among women. A non-representative sample of 20 women and 208 men who self-identified as having a sexual...
TL;DR: In this article, the association between women's levels of relationship intimacy and how frequently their partner viewed pornography was examined in a community sample of 136 New Zealand heterosexual women, and the results indicated that pornography may be detrimental to relationship intimacy for women with strongly negative attitudes toward it.
Abstract: The association between women's levels of relationship intimacy and how frequently their partner viewed pornography was examined in a community sample of 136 NZ heterosexual women. Controlling for age, ethnicity and education, partner use of pornography was significantly negatively correlated with emotional, sexual, intellectual and recreational intimacy, but not social intimacy. Women's attitudes toward pornography did not mediate any of these associations. However, significant moderation effects were found: women with more negative attitudes toward pornography reported lower rates of emotional and social intimacy when their partner was believed to be viewing pornography weekly or more, but not when this frequency was less. No association was found for women with less negative attitudes toward pornography. These findings indicate that pornography may be detrimental to relationship intimacy for women with strongly negative attitudes toward it.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between sexual satisfaction (SS) and cognitive schemas activated in sexual context and found that schema therapy techniques were used alongside initiatives to promote spouse social support to help prevent problematic sexual cognitive schemata.
Abstract: The present study examined the relationship between sexual satisfaction (SS) and cognitive schemas activated in sexual context. In a cross-sectional study, the participants comprised 313 Iranian married women (mean age of 36.7 years and mean marriage duration of 12.4 years). Data were collected utilizing an online survey comprising the Index of Sexual Satisfaction, the Cognitive Schema Activated in Sexual Context Questionnaire, and a number of sociodemographic questions. A linear regression model utilizing the stepwise method was performed. The mean score of cognitive schemas relating to sexual problems was 35.56 (out of 140; SD = 14.68) with the highest mean in the Difference/Loneliness subscale (higher scores indicating greater negative schema activation). The mean score of sexual satisfaction on the ISS was 96.80 (out of 125; SD = 16.77). The highest scores of cognitive schemas relating to sexual problems were observed among individuals with low sexual satisfaction. Based on a multivariable linear regression model, age (β = 0.33), spouse social support (β = 0.23), and spouse job (β = 0.21) had the highest regression coefficients in relation to sexual satisfaction among Iranian married women. Cognitive schemas activated in a sexual context were strongly and significantly associated with sexual satisfaction among Iranian married women of reproductive age. The findings suggest that schema therapy techniques be used alongside initiatives to promote spouse social support to help prevent problematic sexual cognitive schemas.
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative study explored the way middle-aged Lebanese women address their sexual difficulties and developed a help-seeking behavior framework for sexual difficulties, focusing on: the perception of the problem, the beliefs about help seeking and the sources of help.
Abstract: This qualitative study explored the way middle-aged Lebanese women address their sexual difficulties. Data analysis revealed three overarching themes and subthemes. From these we developed a help-seeking behavior framework for sexual difficulties. The framework focuses on: the perception of the problem, the beliefs about help-seeking and the sources of help. This framework can be used to facilitate access to personalized sexuality-related care based on a better understanding of the complex interplay of personal, socio-cultural and service-related factors that influence help-seeking behavior for sexual problems.
TL;DR: While research has shown an association between eating disorders and sexual dysfunction, few studies have examined the association between disordered eating and sexuality in non-clinical samples as mentioned in this paper, and none of these studies examined the relationship between eating disorder and pornography.
Abstract: While research has shown an association between eating disorders and sexual dysfunction, few studies have examined the association between disordered eating and sexuality in non-clinical samples. H...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared online and face-to-face sexual enhancement training with cognitive-behavioral approach on sexual intimacy in pregnant women with sexual intimacy scores < 75.
Abstract: Studies have shown sexual intimacy enhancement-training with cognitive-behavioral can affect women's sexual intimacy. Interventional study to compare online and face-to-face sexual enhancement-training with cognitive-behavioral approach on sexual intimacy was conducted on 48 pregnant women with sexual intimacy scores < 75 who were randomly divided online (n = 25) and face-to-face (n = 23). Six 90-minute session sexual intimacy enhancement-training were conducted. Data were collected Botlani's sexual intimacy questionnaire (primary outcome) and counseling satisfaction scale (secondary outcome) measured baseline and after 6 and 10 weeks. In each group sexual intimacy in 10th week increased significantly compared to baseline (65.88 ± 5.51 vs 87.36 ± 8.39, p < 0.001) and (67.39 ± 5.26 vs 83.70 ± 5.61, p < 0.001) respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups in sexual intimacy scores in 6th (82.32 ± 9.25 vs 79.87 ± 6.35, p = 0.29) and 10th weeks (87.36 ± 8.39 vs 83.70 ± 5.61, p = 0.08) but totally intervention caused significant increase in sexual intimacy in 10th week compared to baseline (p = 0.04). Satisfaction from intervention was significantly different in 6th (65.72 ± 2.57 vs 61.21 ± 7.17, p = 0.021) and 10th weeks (68.92 ± 2.79 vs 64.26 ± 5.15, p = 0.001). Intervention improved sexual intimacy in pregnant women via both online and face-to-face counseling, with more sexual intimacy and satisfaction in online group, could be useful in COVID-19 pandemic.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined dyadic adjustment, which is an essential aspect for a couple's functioning, and its relationship with sexual self-esteem during COVID-19 confinement.
Abstract: This study examined dyadic adjustment, which is an essential aspect for a couple's functioning, and its relationship with sexual self-esteem during COVID-19 confinement. This article presents data from before and during the confinement due to COVID-19 in Spain. 120 men and 89 women who were part of a couple at the time of confinement and completed an online survey participated in the study. The sample was obtained during the de-escalation months, from May 9th until July 1st, 2020. Three questionnaires were administered. The results that were obtained from the T-student, Pearson correlations and regression analyses show a decline in couples' adjustment during the months of confinement. Regarding the Sexuality Scale, the results showed that the sexual-depression subscale and the sexual self-esteem subscale had a statistically significant role in predicting the dyadic adjustment during confinement. Overall, our findings suggest that confinement had a negative effect on sexuality because the sexual-depression of the sample increased and couple adjustment decreased during the confinement due to COVID-19.
TL;DR: In this paper, a systematic review was conducted to use recent and relevant literature resources in examining the sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model, which is an effective, simple, useful, and cost-effective counseling method.
Abstract: A systematic review was conducted to use recent and relevant literature resources in examining the sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model. Electronic literature search was conducted on Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed between January 1, 2011, and March 1, 2021. 14 studies were included in the systematic review. The mostly used study design was randomized controlled trial. It was determined that PLISSIT model on sexual counseling is an effective, simple, useful, and cost-effective counseling method.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors re-conceptualized sexual objectification in terms of two forms of dehumanization: mechanistic dehumanization of women and animalistic dehumanisation of men.
Abstract: Sexual objectification is a common pornographic theme. Research shows that sexual objectification leads to the expression of aggressive attitudes and behaviors toward women. Based on a survey study of 320 male participants, this study re-conceptualizes sexual objectification in terms of two forms of dehumanization. Evidence suggests men's pornography use is positively associated with both forms, but mechanistic dehumanization of women is more associated with aggressive attitudes while animalistic dehumanization is more associated with aggressive behaviors. Findings indicate how objectifying pornography use may relate to aggressive attitudes and behaviors and inform the future education campaigns and interventions to reduce sexual aggression.
TL;DR: This article examined women's constructions of origins of sexual pain and difficulties with intercourse, and identified processes permeated women's subjective experience and construction of the origin of their sexual difficulties, and were related to societal discourses and women's embodied experience.
Abstract: The origin of women's sexual pain and difficulties with intercourse is still under-researched. The aim of this study was to examine women's constructions of origins. Twenty-eight participants previously diagnosed with vaginismus or dyspareunia were recruited via patient lists and private practices. Interviews had a semi-structured biographic-narrative format; transcripts were analyzed using Grounded Theory. Participants' narratives were constructed based on two major processes: Negotiating Womanhood and Othering the Body. They were integrated in an explanatory model. Identified processes permeated women's subjective experience and construction of the origin of their sexual difficulties, and were related to societal discourses and women's embodied experience.
TL;DR: The use of CBM-I to replace positive interpretations with negative interpretations of cognitive bias in SIAD has a clinical application and can be used as practical treatment along with other treatments to reduce the symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to develop and validate the scenarios of cognitive bias modification of interpretation (CBM-I) in women with sexual interest arousal disorder (SIAD) and comparing i...