The effects of false negative feedback on efficacy expectancies and sexual arousal in sexually functional males

Abstract

The effects of low efficacy expectancies on sexual arousal in sexually functional men were examined. Twenty-six participants were randomly assigned to either a false negative feedback group or a no-feedback group. Measures of physiological arousal, subjective arousal, efficacy expectancies, and affect were obtained. After viewing two erotic films, participants in the false feedback group were told that their response was less than that of the average participant. Participants in the control group did not receive any feedback. Results indicated that false feedback lowered the level of efficacy expectancies and led to a significant decline in physiological response to a third erotic film. Moreover, post-feedback efficacy expectancies were strongly associated with physiological response to the third film. Counter to predictions and despite its effects on physiological arousal, false feedback did not lead to a significant decline in subjective arousal or an increase in negative affect. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of cognitive factors in the etiology and treatment of sexual dysfunction.