Exploring erotic potential: mixed methods study on effects of a sexological bodywork retreat for people who identify as women

Abstract

Within the field of sexuality in the United States, the use of hands-on work is controversial, although it is practiced internationally and has been researched in other countries. This mixed methods study explored effects of sexological bodywork within the context of Back to the BodyTM retreats for people who identify as women. Quantitative data were gathered from a survey of participants at past retreats (n = 48) and from pre and posttest surveys of participants before and after a retreat (n = 35). The survey of past participants found moderate to very positive changes across all constructs: 75% for arousal, sexual self-image, and sisterhood; 72% for body image; 71% for feelings about genitals and sexual assertiveness; and 66% for sexual satisfaction. Pre and posttest surveys revealed statistically significant increases in genital self-image, body image, sexual self-image, and sexual satisfaction; however, sexual assertiveness decreased. Qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses and from 21 in-depth interviews revealed five major themes: feeling safe, connecting to self and others, feeling acceptance and permission, exploring arousal and pleasure, and transformative life changes. Sex and relationship therapists can use these findings to add to their own knowledge and to assist clients who may be interested in these modalities.