Positive and negative sexual cognitions: similarities and differences between men and women from southern Spain

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of sexual cognitions in Spanish men and women, distinguishing between positive sexual cognitions (PSC) and negative sexual cognitions (NSC), and various subtypes of such cognitions based on their content (intimate, exploratory, dominance, submission, and impersonal). We also examined the relationship between both age and education level and Christian religion/religiosity and the frequency of all subtypes of sexual cognitions. The sample was composed of 1332 participants aged between 18 and 45 years. Results showed that the most and least frequent sexual cognitions were intimate and sadomasochistic cognitions, respectively. Overall, men reported a higher frequency of PSC than did women, except for cognitions involving submission. In addition, undergraduate students reported a higher frequency of dominant PSC than older individuals. Regarding NSC, men reported a higher frequency of dominance themes, while women reported more frequent cognitions involving submission. In addition, intimate, exploratory, and impersonal NSC were more frequently reported in the younger sample. Religion was associated with the frequency of most PSC but not with NSC. We discuss the implications of assessing both the affect and content of sexual cognitions for their training in sex therapy.