Cultural Differences in the Treatment of Sex Problems

Abstract

The high global prevalence of sexual problems requires treatments that are adapted for use with people from diverse cultures. The process of cultural adaptation starts with a culturally informed understanding of the target problem (sexual disorders) as well as a recognition of cultural beliefs that may act as barriers to treatment. The purpose of this review is to integrate recent cross-cultural research on sexual problems and treatment and to provide a current perspective on the practice of sex therapy with culturally diverse patients. Sex research is expanding globally to critically examine the culturally influenced pathways that lead to sexual dissatisfaction. Female sexual pleasure and sexual agency appear to be important factors contributing to the sexual satisfaction of men and women worldwide. This conjecture is based on a small but growing number of studies. The belief that female sexual pleasure is dangerous, undesirable, or irrelevant may contribute to the high global prevalence of sexual dissatisfaction. Interventions that target improvement in women’s sexual agency may have the added benefit of relieving the intense pressure some men experience to perform sexually with naive or passive partners when they themselves have little knowledge, skills, or experience. Sex therapy approaches that emphasize the benefit of female sexual pleasure to the sexual satisfaction of the couple may find success even in the context of traditional cultures.