Lower Levels Of Sexual Satisfaction Research Articles

Dyadic associations and prediction of maternal and paternal sexual satisfaction in couples–Findings from an 18-year longitudinal study

Background: Sexual satisfaction is one of many crucial factors for the long-term success of romantic relationships. Longitudinal studies examining the dyadic associations between maternal and paternal factors in middle adulthood for predicting sexual satisfaction in later adulthood are scarce. MethodThe German longitudinal intervention study "Future Family” followed families with at least one child over 18-years (Pre: N = 477, mothers: M = 35.2 years, fathers: M = 38.8 years, children: M = 4.1 years). At the time of the 18-year follow-up, N = 150 mothers (M = 54.1 years) were still living together with the biological fathers (M = 56.1 years; mean relationship duration: 32 years). Dyadic associations between individual and dyadic factors at Pre were analyzed with Actor-Partner Interdependence models to predict sexual satisfaction 18 years later. ResultsHigher relationship quality was significantly associated with higher levels of one's own sexual satisfaction 18 years later. Higher levels of maternal and paternal mental health problems were linked to lower levels of sexual satisfaction in both the individual themselves and their partner. General life satisfaction of mothers and fathers only predicted their own sexual satisfaction. The model for dysfunctional parenting yielded no significant effects. ConclusionsThe results indicate that relationship quality, mental health problems, and general life satisfaction of both parents could be starting points for preventive and therapeutic interventions to achieve long-term effects in sexual satisfaction in married couples.

Is Sexual Aversion a Distinct Disorder or a Trans-Diagnostic Symptom across Sexual Dysfunctions? A Latent Class Analysis

Sexual aversion disorder (SAD) is a chronic condition that impacts sexual and psychological well-being. However, the relevance of SAD as a discrete disorder remains highly debated. This study aimed to clarify the status of SAD as either a distinct disorder or a trans-diagnostic symptom shared among sexual dysfunctions. This cross-sectional study used a latent class analysis approach among a Canadian community sample (n = 1,363) to identify how patterns of SAD symptoms (i.e., sexual fear, disgust, and avoidance) emerge across different spheres of sexual functioning (i.e., desire and arousal, erection or lubrication, genito-pelvic pain, and orgasm) and examine sociodemographic and psychosexual correlates of the identified classes. Examination of fit indices suggested four classes: Sexually functional, Impaired desire and responsiveness, Sexual aversion, and Comorbid sexual dysfunctions. Sexual aversion class members were more likely to be single, had experienced sexual assault in adulthood, and report lower levels of sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being, compared to Sexually functional class members. Results suggest that SAD is a distinct clinical syndrome, while its symptoms may co-occur with other sexual dysfunctions. To ensure that the needs of people with SAD are met with tailored treatment options, future nosography might consider reclassifying SAD as a specific disorder.

The moderating function of religious belief on the association between sexual dysfunctions and sexual satisfaction among religious Jewish women and men

ABSTRACT The moderating effect of religiousness on the associations between health-associated stressors and well-being is well established in the research literature but has not been examined on the association between sexual dysfunctions and sexual well-being. A sample of adult Jewish women (N = 207) and men (N = 196) responded to an online questionnaire including measures of religious belief and sexual satisfaction. Respondents’ partners assessed sexual desire dysfunction and psychological sexual arousal dysfunction of the respondent. For men and women, desire dysfunction was associated with lower levels of sexual satisfaction. Arousal dysfunction was also associated with sexual satisfaction for women but not for men. In addition, for women, a significant buffering effect of religiousness was found for the associations of both types of sexual dysfunction and sexual satisfaction. In contrast, for men, no buffering effect was found.

SEXUAL MOTIVES, SEXUAL FREQUENCY, AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION AMONG MIDDLE-AGED DIFFERENT-SEX AND SAME-SEX COUPLES

Abstract Reasons for having sex and frequency of sex are significant correlates of sexual satisfaction. However, the possible interplay between sexual motives and sexual frequency remains unexplored. Also, prior studies on sexual satisfaction largely focused on heterosexual couples and less is known about the experiences of same-sex couples. Using dyadic survey data collected from 838 middle-aged spouses in 419 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marriages, this study examined whether the associations between sexual motives and sexual satisfaction differed by sexual frequency and whether these dynamics varied across gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples. Results showed that intrinsic sexual motives (e.g., for enjoyment and pleasure) were associated with higher sexual satisfaction only in the context of more frequent sex, and this association did not differ for same- and different-sex couples. On the other hand, extrinsic sexual motives (e.g., to please spouse) were associated with lower levels of sexual satisfaction in the context of high-frequency sex only among men married to men and women married to men, wherein the association was stronger for heterosexual couples compared to same-sex couples. These associations were not significant with less frequent sex. Results suggest that while frequent engagement in sex with intrinsic sexual motives benefits middle-aged adults’ sexual satisfaction regardless of relationship type, the sexual satisfaction of individuals married to men is vulnerable to the negative consequences of engaging in sex due to external pressure. These findings highlight the importance of considering how sexual experiences of men and women in midlife same-sex marriages compare to those of different-sex marriages.

SEXUAL AND MARITAL SATISFACTION IN OLDER ADULTHOOD: EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD VIOLENCE EXPOSURE

Abstract Objectives Guided by Finkelhor and Browne’s traumagenic dynamics model, the current study examines: 1) the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on older adults’ sexual and marital satisfaction, 2) the mediating role of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in the association between childhood adversities and sexual and marital satisfaction, and 3) whether gender moderates the mediational association. Research Design and Methods Using the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we analyzed data from 4,239 older adults between the 2004/2005 (Wave 1, Mean age = 65 years) and 2011 (Wave 2, Mean age = 72 years) data collections. The structural modeling approach was employed where the independent variables were CSA and ACEs, the dependent variables were sexual and marital satisfaction in Wave 2, and the mediators were IPV victimization and sexual and marital satisfaction in Wave 1. Results Both CSA and ACEs were associated with lower levels of sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction in late adulthood. IPV victimization mediated the association between ACEs and marital satisfaction. The hypothesized moderated mediation by gender was not supported. Discussion and Implications: Using a population-based sample, this is one of the first studies demonstrating that distal life events such as CSA and ACEs can undermine older adults’ sexual and marital health, and revictimization in adulthood may serve as a mechanism for the association. Timely intervention is needed to prevent persistent negative effects of childhood violence.

Sexual passion in couple relationships: Emerging patterns from dyadic response surface analysis

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore the interrelationship between one partner's inhibited sexual passion (ISP) and the other partner's obsessive sexual passion (OSP) and how these two types of extrinsically motivated passion were associated with sexual satisfaction.BackgroundPrevious research has shown that ISP and OSP are common in many couple relationships and are associated with lower levels of sexual outcomes than harmonious sexual passion, a balanced intrinsically motivated passion. However, it is not known how these two types of passion interact and are associated with sexual satisfaction.MethodsBy combining two convenience dyadic samples, we were able to evaluate the interrelationship between these passion styles with 713 mixed‐sex couples. Sexual passion and satisfaction were measured using established instruments and the data were analyzed using dyadic response surface analysis.ResultsResults indicated that when men considered their sexual passion style to be OSP and their partner's to be ISP this was associated with significantly lower levels of sexual satisfaction for both partners. In contrast, higher levels of OSP in women, as rated by either partner, were associated with higher levels of sexual satisfaction, especially when coupled with lower levels of ISP in men.ConclusionOverall, ISP had a strong negative effect on sexual satisfaction for both partners, while the influence of OSP was most clear when considered simultaneously with levels of ISP as it was different for males and females. The results illustrate the benefit of evaluating couple sexual passions simultaneously and interactively for both partners to understand their associations with sexual outcomes.

Aspects of sexual life that are associated with the occurrence of depressive disorders and autonomic dysfunction among medical students of National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya

Depressive disorders are widespread nowadays. First of all, this was affected by social isolation related to covid-19, and starting from 2022 – the war in our country. Depression and sexual life are connected and important, because a person with a depressive disorder cannot fully live a social and sexual life. As a result, the birth rate in the country and the population in general decreases. Therefore, the issue of studying the occurrence of depressive disorders in young sexually active and inactive people is extremely relevant.
 The aim. The main objective of this work was to explore the different areas of sexual life of residents and its association with mental health. Additionally, differences in sexual life and mental health (depression) based on gender were also analyzed.
 Materials and methods. An anonymous survey of 506 medical students of NPMMU, V has been conducted using a questionnaire that included 25 questions on various aspects of the sexual life of the respondents. The analysis of the obtained results of the study was carried out on the basis of the computer programme “Statistica 6.1” using nonparametric methods to evaluate obtained results.
 The results. We found a statistically significant association between sexual activity and condition of mental health. Results regarding young adults, presented lower levels of sexual satisfaction and greater depression, whereas young women also exhibited higher levels of depression.
 Conclusions. Sexual life has a positive effect on the mental and psychological health of respondents. This information should be conveyed to young people.

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IntroductionIndia has a prevalence of bipolar disorder of 0.1 percent. Spouses of patients experience substantial amount of stress handling this illness. Stress has been associated with lower degree of sexual satisfaction in normal couples. So sexual satisfaction of the spouse under considerable stress is likely to be impaired. In India, expression of sexual satisfaction is less in women, suppressing their stand on and problem over this matter, leading to significant hampering of their well-being. Few studies have examined the stress among partners of patients with BPAD and sexual satisfaction in this population.MethodsWives of twenty-five BPAD clients were interviewed using the perceived stress scale-10 (PSS) and sexuality scale (SS) to determine the levels of stress and degree of sexual satisfaction. Socio-demographic data and data regarding the illness and marriage was also collected for analysis.ResultsAverage age of 34.08 and SD of 7.62, max age 57, min age 24. Max family income 60000, min income 3000. TDI avg 113, SD 88.03, max 360 m, min 3 m. Duration of cohabitation- avg 195, SD 92.10, max 432 m, min 48 m. avg duration of caregiving 96.78, SD 70.08, max 240, min 3 m. Majority hindu.The correlation coeff between SS and PSS scores was indicating moderate level of relationship of sexual satisfaction with life events.ConclusionsPrimary partners of BPAD clients undergo considerable stress and have lower levels of sexual satisfaction as compared to normal populations. Physicians must interview and offer interventions if required.

Infertility-related stress and sexual satisfaction: a dyadic approach

Purpose of the study to examine whether women’s and men’s infertility-related stress, and specifically its sexual concerns aspect, is related to their and their partner’s sexual satisfaction. Materials and methods In a cross-sectional study, 94 couples experiencing infertility filled out the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale and Fertility Problem Inventory, which measures infertility-related stress with dimensions of social, sexual and relationship concerns, rejection of childfree lifestyle, and need for parenthood. Dyadic analyses were performed following the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Results The dyadic analysis revealed that women’s and men’s greater infertility-related stress contributed to their lower levels of sexual satisfaction (actor effect). Moreover, women’s and men’s greater sexual concerns (as the aspect of infertility-related stress) contributed to their own and their partner’s lower levels of sexual satisfaction (actor and partner effect). Conclusions The findings suggest that both individual and relational processes are important in the association between the specific dimension of infertility-related stress and sexual satisfaction. These findings could guide the psychosocial support for couples experiencing infertility.

Exploring trait affectionate communication and post sex communication as mediators of the association between attachment and sexual satisfaction

Using both attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) and affection exchange theory (AET; Floyd, 2002), the current study examines the relationships between adult attachment styles, trait affection, post sex affectionate communication behavior, and sexual satisfaction. Through a serial mediation model tested with Hayes' (2013) SPSS PROCESS macro, the findings yield that those with insecure attachment styles have lower levels of trait affection, which predicts less post sex affectionate communication behavior, which in turn predicts lower levels of sexual satisfaction. There is also a direct significant relationship between insecure attachment styles and lower levels of sexual satisfaction. Although attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were tested in separate analyses, the results yielded the same pattern for both variables. Implications for both theories are discussed. Additionally, future research is recommended to assist practitioners in developing therapy interventions for insecurely attached individuals.

Sexual Satisfaction and Mental Health in Prison Inmates

The main goal of this study was to investigate the association between sexual satisfaction and mental health, and the combined effect of two previously found, statistically significant moderators: partner status and sexual abstinence. In-person interviews were conducted with 223 participants (49.327% males and 50.673% females). The effect of sexual satisfaction on mental health and the interactions of sexual satisfaction × partner status, sexual satisfaction × sexual abstinence, and sexual satisfaction × partner status × sexual abstinence were examined using simple moderation and moderated moderation tests after controlling for a set of sociodemographic, penitentiary, and interpersonal variables. Results revealed a direct relationship between sexual satisfaction and mental health only for the sexually abstinent group. Partner status was not significant as a moderator. It seems that the lack of sexual relationships is more powerful as a moderator than the lack of a romantic relationship. Additionally, the sexually abstinent group showed lower levels of sexual satisfaction in those with a partner outside or inside prison, and lower mental health independently of the current romantic status, than sexually active inmates. These findings point to the importance of sexual satisfaction to mental health in sexual situations of extreme disadvantage.

Exploring the relationship between paraphilic interests, sex, and sexual and life satisfaction in non-clinical samples

Limited research has indicated that paraphilic interests and behaviours do not necessarily decrease sexual and life satisfaction; some research suggests such interests may actually enhance satisfaction. The present study assessed how paraphilic-associated interests and behaviours were related to sexual and life satisfaction in a sample of 173 men and 356 women. Paraphilic interest rates were similar to existing population-based studies. Men reported significantly higher levels of most paraphilic interests than women, apart from masochism. Those with paraphilic interests rarely felt negatively affected. However, those interested in criminal paraphilic interests or both criminal and legally feasible paraphilic interests had lower levels of sexual satisfaction when they did not engage in paraphilia-associated sexual behaviour. The sexual satisfaction of those interested only in legally feasible paraphilic interests was not impacted whether or not they engaged in paraphilia-associated sexual behaviour. Further analyses indicated that those without a paraphilic interest and those who have a paraphilic interest and have disclosed to their partner have higher levels of sexual satisfaction than those who have not disclosed to their partner or who do not have a stable partner. Additionally, among those who had disclosed to a partner, sexual satisfaction was not affected whether the individual engaged in the paraphilic interest with or without their partner. These results suggest a multifaceted relationship that warrants further consideration and examination.

Homofobia internalizada e satisfação sexual em casais homossexuais

Objetivo: El objetivo desta investigación fue observar la influencia de las variables homofobia internalizada y religiosidad en la satisfacción sexual de sujetos en relaciones con personas del mismo sexo.
 Método: Se realizó un estudio con 94 sujetos, 49 hombres y 45 mujeres, viviendo en una relación estable con pareja del mismo, sexo. La hipótesis inicial es que altos niveles de homofobia internalizada y de religiosidad influencian de forma negativa la satisfacción sexual de sujetos en relaciones LGB. Los datos fueron recolectados de forma presencial con cuestionario auto-aplicable abordando: aspectos sociodemográficos, homofobia internalizada, homofobia externa sufrida, satisfacción sexual e índice de religiosidad. Se realizaron comparaciones de media intergrupos con análisis unidireccional ANOVA entre variables estudiadas Se realizó la prueba de correlaciones de Pearson entre las variables y, por fin, un análisis de regresión lineal teniendo como resultado la variable satisfacción sexual.
 Resultados: Los resultados apuntaron menores niveles de satisfacción entre los grupos con mayor homofobia internalizada, así como para una diferencia significativa en la satisfacción de sujetos en niveles distintos de religiosidad, confirmando así la hipótesis prevista.
 Conclusions: Se discute que la homofobia internalizada prevé negativamente la satisfacción sexual del sujeto, a medida que interfiere en su bienestar subjetivo, y que otras variables, como apertura y religiosidad, también tienen una influencia relevante en este contexto.

Penile coital injuries in men decline after circumcision: Results from a prospective study of recently circumcised and uncircumcised men in western Kenya.

BackgroundPenile coital injuries are one of the suggested mechanisms behind the increased risk of HIV among uncircumcised men. We evaluated the prevalence and correlates of self-reported penile coital injuries in a longitudinal community-based cohort of young (18–24 years old), newly circumcised and uncircumcised men in Western Kenya.MethodsSelf-reported penile coital injuries were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of follow-up, and were defined as scratches, cuts or abrasions during sex, penile soreness during sex, and skin of the penis bleeding during sex. Associations between penile coital injuries, circumcision, sexual satisfaction, and other covariates were estimated with mixed effect models.ResultsBetween November 2008 and April 2010 3,186 participants were enrolled (1,588 into circumcision group and 1,598 as age-matched controls). Among 2,106 (66%) participants sexually active at baseline, 53% reported any penile injury, including 44% scratches, cuts or abrasions; 32% penile pain/soreness; and 22% penile bleeding. In multivariable modeling, risk was lower for circumcised men than uncircumcised men for scratches, cuts and abrasions (aOR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.34–0.44); penile pain/soreness (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.51–0.65), penile bleeding (aOR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.46–0.62), and any penile coital injuries (aOR = 0.47; 95%CI 0.42–0.53). Other significant risk factors included increasing age, history of STIs and genital sores, and multiple sex partners, while condom use was protective. Coital injuries were significantly associated with lower levels of sexual satisfaction in longitudinal analyses (scratches, cuts or abrasions: aOR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–0.98; penile pain/soreness: aOR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72–0.93; and penile bleeding: aOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55–0.76).ConclusionsSelf-reported penile coital injuries were common and decreased significantly following circumcision. Improving sexual experience through the removal of a potential source of sexual discomfort may resonate with many men targeted for circumcision services. The role of penile coital injuries in sexual satisfaction, HIV, HSV-2, and as a motivator for seeking circumcision services should be explored further.

Sexual function in adult cancer survivors.

123 Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common treatment sequela across numerous cancer diagnoses and treatments, causing increased distress, discomfort and negatively impacting quality of life. Methods: Before their survivorship-focused clinic appointment, adult cancer survivors were asked to complete a comprehensive patient -eported outcomes survey that included detailed questions on their health status including sexual function. Results: Between April 2015 to July 2016, 94 patients completed the survey. They were 66% female, mean age 45 years (SD 16, range 21-82) and 34% leukemia/lymphoma, 18% breast cancer, and 12% genitourinary cancer survivors. Patients were a mean of 6.7 years (SD 7.9, range 0-42) from their cancer diagnosis at the time of clinic appointment. Nearly half (48%) were married or living with a partner and 49% were living alone (single, divorced, widowed). 70.2% reported being sexually active (alone or with a partner) in the last year: of these only half (55.3%) reported being sexually active in the last month. For those who were not sexually active the most commonly cited reasons included lack of interest (24.5%) and not having a partner (30.9%), with 12.8% reporting not being sexually active due to a physical problem. Survivors rated their sexual satisfaction in the past month as a 5.0 (SD 3.7; scale of 0-10, 0=not at all satisfying 10=extremely satisfying). An independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in sexual satisfaction between survivors under 45 years in age and ≥45 years in age (t=4.4, df=68.0, p < 0.05). Older survivors (mean=3.71, SD=3.7) reported significantly lower levels of sexual satisfaction than did younger survivors (mean=7.11, SD=2.8). The most commonly reported sexual function issues for women included vaginal dryness (23.4%) and for men included difficulty getting an erection (7.4%). Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is a common long-term effect of cancer across diagnoses and most treatments, warranting widespread implementation of targeted interventions to manage sexual dysfunction and improve quality of life for these survivors.

Cumulative Childhood Trauma and Adult Sexual Satisfaction: Mediation by Affect Dysregulation and Sexual Anxiety in Men and Women

Childhood cumulative trauma (CCT) refers to an amalgam of childhood maltreatment experiences that can lead to a range of symptoms and problems in adulthood. The current study examined an integrative model of CCT for its relevance to psychosexual adjustment in adult survivors. A total of 620 participants aged 18 years and over completed a questionnaire assessing early life experiences, affect dysregulation, sexual anxiety, and sexual satisfaction. Path analyses confirmed the hypothesis that CCT is associated with affect dysregulation and sexual anxiety that, in turn, predict lower levels of sexual satisfaction. The validity of this mediational model was demonstrated for different operationalizations of CCT. The results suggested that sex therapists, who are likely to encounter CCT survivors in their practice, should consider targeting affect dysregulation in their efforts to decrease sexual anxiety and increase sexual satisfaction.

Satisfaction and Communication in Couples of Parents and Potential Parents – Psychological Predictors and Implications for Sexuality Education of Children

This study investigated the existence of several predictors for sexual communication anxiety, sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction in coupled adults. Relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, sexual communication anxiety, perfectionism and sexual perfectionism were measured for 128 participants. Results indicated a strong positive correlation between perfectionism and sexual perfectionism. Sexual satisfaction mediated the effect of relationship satisfaction on sexual communication anxiety. Women expressed on average less anxiety to communicate on sexual topics and more sexual satisfaction than men. Married participants reported lower levels of sexual satisfaction and higher levels of sexual communication anxiety. Implications of findings for sexuality education programmes are discussed.

Sexual and relational satisfaction in couples where the woman has polycystic ovary syndrome: a dyadic analysis.

How are objective characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and PCOS-related concerns associated with the sexual and relational satisfaction of PCOS women and their partners? Both objective PCOS characteristics (parity, women's body mass index (BMI) and current unfulfilled wish to conceive) and PCOS-related concerns (women's infertility-related and acne-related concerns) were associated with sexual and/or relational satisfaction, although some associations differed for PCOS women and their partners. There is some evidence indicating an association between objective PCOS characteristics and sexual satisfaction of PCOS women, but this evidence is conflicting, scarce, and often validated questionnaires have not been used to evaluate sexual satisfaction. No evidence is available about the association of: (i) PCOS with relational satisfaction; (ii) PCOS-related concerns with sexual and relational satisfaction; and (iii) PCOS with sexual and relational satisfaction as experienced by partners of PCOS women. We set up a cross-sectional study from April 2007 until April 2009, including 31 overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)) women with PCOS and at a reproductive age as well as their partners with whom they had a committed intimate relationship at the time of recruitment. The study was performed at the fertility center of the Ghent University Hospital. Objective PCOS characteristics were registered and PCOS-related concerns were evaluated by the PCOS Questionnaire. Sexual (SS) and relational (RS) satisfaction were measured by the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire (MMQ). Dyadic statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed models (α < 0.05). A lower parity tended to be associated with higher levels of sexual and relational satisfaction, with a significantly stronger association in PCOS women than in their partners (p(SS) = 0.015 and p(RS) = 0.009). A higher BMI tended to be associated with lower and higher satisfaction levels (sexual and relational) in PCOS women and their partners, respectively, with a significantly stronger association in the partners (p(SS) = 0.029 and p(RS) = 0.021). The presence of a current unfulfilled wish to conceive and a higher level of infertility-related concerns was significantly more strongly associated with a higher level of relational satisfaction for PCOS women than for their partners (p(RS) = 0.021 and p(RS) = 0.011, respectively). Higher levels of acne-related concern were significantly associated with lower levels of sexual satisfaction in both PCOS women (p(SS) = 0.025) and their partners (p(SS) = 0.002). The fact that this study was performed in a sample of PCOS women who were all overweight and the small sample size are important limitations. Data were partially missing in some couples but this limitation was dealt with by using linear mixed models. Our results suggest a differential association of PCOS with sexual and relational satisfaction between PCOS women and their partners. This should be kept in mind during the psychological guidance of couples dealing with PCOS. V.D.F. is holder of a Special PhD Fellowship of the Flemish Foundation for Scientific Research (FWO-Vlaanderen). P.D.S. is holder of a fundamental clinical research mandate of the Flemish Foundation for Scientific Research (FWO-Vlaanderen). This research also received financial support by Merck Serono and Artevelde University College Ghent. There are no competing interests.

Alexithymia, Negative Emotions, and Sexual Behavior in Heterosexual University Students from Italy

Alexithymia is a construct which denotes thought characterized by pragmatic content, an inability to recognize and verbally express emotion, a difficulty in distinguishing between feelings and bodily sensations, and a limitation in fantasy life. Research has revealed a role for alexithymia in different kinds of sexual dysfunctions; it was also associated with reduced frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse but not with sexual behaviors-like masturbation-which do not include an emotional interaction in normal individuals. The aim of this research was to further investigate the association between alexithymia scores and sexual behavior in a sample of normal individuals, taking into account the role of gender differences and the possible effect of negative emotions (depression, anxiety, and anger). Participants were 300 university students (142 men and 158 women); sexual behavior was measured by the Sex and the Average Woman (or Man) Scale while alexithymia was measured with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The findings of the study showed that higher alexithymia scores were associated with lower levels of sexual satisfaction and higher levels of sexual detachment for females, and with sexual shyness and sexual nervousness for both genders. Results also suggested that the correlations between alexithymia scores and sexual behavior are partially influenced by the effect of negative emotions. Overall, it seems that the same detachment which denotes the alexithymic interpersonal style also characterizes sexual behavior.

Heterosexual Romantic Relationships, Interpersonal Needs, and Quality of Life in Prison

The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of having vs. not having a and quality of life. In-person interviews were conducted with 55 male and 64 female inmates from the Topas Penitentiary (Spain). Higher levels of social loneliness and lower levels of sexual satisfaction were associated with lower levels of quality of life. In addition, the interaction between sexual satisfaction and romantic partner status was significant. Higher levels of sexual satisfaction were associated with higher levels of quality of life only for the group without a partner. These findings support a "bad is stronger than good" principle and indicate the detrimental aspects that can be associated with not having a satisfactory sexual life while incarcerated.