The Influence of the Quality of Relationship on Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

SynopsisThe study of the association between sexual dysfunction and relationship harmony has produced some conflicting results. This study was concerned with the impact of a range of sexual and non-sexual relationship factors, feelings about those factors and the desire to alter them, on the severity of sexual dysfunction. Functional, non-clinical dysfunctional and clinically dysfunctional males and females took part in this study. They completed a self report questionnaire measure which assessed sexual and non-sexual dimensions of their relationship and the presence, frequency and duration of any sexual dysfunction. There were no differences between the non-clinical dysfunctional and clinically dysfunctional subjects. Dysfunctional subjects were more likely to have experienced instability, extra-marital relationships, conflict, and a lack of communication in their relationships than functional subjects. However, the most important predictor of sexual dysfunction was the desire to change their sexual inte...