Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire Research Articles

Structural Relationships of Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation with Female Sexual Function: The Mediating Role of Sexually Dysfunctional Beliefs

Background: Sexual function is a critical aspect of human life, significantly impacting mental and physical health, social behavior, and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the structural relationships among sexual inhibition (SI), sexual excitation (SE), sexual dysfunctional beliefs, and female sexual function. Methods: Employing a descriptive correlational design, the study administered questionnaires to 402 female employees in the administrative departments of Tehran and Tabriz universities, utilizing convenience sampling. The instruments included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Questionnaire (SISE-W), and Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24 and Lisrel version 8.8 software. Results: Our findings revealed that SE related to FSFI both directly (B = 0.29; P < 0.01) and through the mediating role of sexual dysfunction beliefs. However, SI did not exhibit a direct relationship with FSFI (B = -0.07; P > 0.05). Additionally, sexual dysfunction beliefs significantly predicted FSFI (B = -0.40; P < 0.01). The assumed model demonstrated good fit with the acquired data (CFI = 0.98, NFI = 0.96, RFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.08). Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that sexually dysfunctional beliefs play a mediating role in the correlation between inhibition, SE, and female sexual function.

Validation of an Arabic version of the female version of The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire: a factor analysis study

Several questionnaires have been developed to evaluate female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and sexual health problems. However, there is a lack of validated versions of these questionnaires in Arabic. One of the most used instruments is the female version of The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ). The current study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the SDBQ. The Arabic version of SDBQ-Female was incorporated into an online questionnaire using and distributed among Jordanian Facebook groups and women-only groups. Factor analysis was performed to investigate evidence for the validity of the questionnaire. 530 females (mean age 30 years, SD = 9) completed the questionnaire. Principal component analysis produced the final model composed of 24 items distributed across four factors: Sexual Desire & Pleasure, Affection Primacy, Sexual Conservatism and Age-Related Beliefs. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, and fit indices were acceptable (CMIN/DF = 2.52, GFI = 0.91, AGFI = 0.89, CFI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.05 and RMSEA = 0.05). Income level and marital status both influenced FSD beliefs, with higher scores associated with higher income and being single. The Arabic version of the SDBQ-female demonstrated evidence of validity and reliability. Additional research is necessary to explore beliefs related to FSD within an Arabic context.

The Development and Validation of the Orgasm Beliefs Inventory.

While orgasm is often conceptualized as a physiological reflex, research has also shown it to be symbolic and to be attributed significant meaning. However, in the absence of a comprehensive measure assessing cultural orgasm scripts and beliefs, the extent to which individuals personally endorse them is unknown. Grounded in sexual script theory, the present research aimed to develop and validate a measure assessing cultural orgasm beliefs, and to investigate gender differences in their endorsement using the new measure. In Study 1, an MTurk sample (N = 448) completed a preliminary version of the Orgasm Beliefs Inventory (OBI). Exploratory factor analyses revealed 11 orgasm beliefs that could be grouped into seven broad categories (Men's Orgasms are Easy/Women's Orgasms are Difficult, Partner Interest Fosters Orgasm, Orgasm is Essential to Men's Sexual Satisfaction, Orgasm as a Relational Quality Benchmark, Orgasm is Unessential to Women's Sexual Satisfaction, Simultaneous Orgasm is Ideal, and Orgasm Requires and Fosters Connection). In Study 2, the OBI was completed by 392 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted and supported a slightly different 7-factor model. The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, Sexual Scripts Scale, and Types of Jealousy Scales were also completed concurrently with the OBI and yielded results in support of the OBI's convergent and discriminant validity. Compared to women, men scored lower on Men's Orgasms are Easy/Women's Orgasms are Difficult, but higher on Orgasm Absence Reflects Relationship Problems. No other gender differences were found on OBI subscale scores. The OBI is a new measure that can be used in future sexual scripts research to explore the relationships between orgasm beliefs and other sexual outcomes and behaviors (e.g., faking orgasm, sexual communication and assertiveness, sexual function and satisfaction, etc.).

Individual, Relational, and Sociocultural Determinants of Sexual Function and Sexual Satisfaction in Ecuador.

AimVarious individual, relational, and sociocultural variables have been identified as determinants of sexual responding, but these have rarely been investigated in non-Western cultures that are characterized by sexual conservatism. We aimed to explore the role of socioeconomic status and religion, sexual double standards, erotophobia-erotophilia, sexual dysfunctional beliefs, and relationship satisfaction to explain sexual function and satisfaction in Ecuador.Method599 participants (431 women and 159 men) completed an online survey.Main Outcomes MeasuresThe Female sexual function was predicted by sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, sexual dysfunctional beliefs, and sexual double standards, while the male sexual function was predicted solely by sexual satisfaction. Additionally, female sexual satisfaction was predicted by sexual function, relationship satisfaction, and sexual dysfunctional beliefs, while male sexual satisfaction was predicted by sexual function and relationship satisfaction.ResultsFemale Sexual Function Index, International Index of Erectile Function, Brief Sexual Opinion Survey, Sexual Double Standards Scale, Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, New Sexual Satisfaction Scale, and Couple Satisfaction Index.ConclusionThis study provided novel information on the determinants of sexual function and satisfaction within a culture in which conservative religious beliefs still prevail. Results should be interpreted with caution given the unequal distribution of men and women, social desirability and volunteer biases, and the specific COVID-19 pandemic context during which the survey took place. Markers of sexual conservatism were inversely related to sexual function and satisfaction, mainly in women, and may, therefore, be important targets of treatment. Female sexuality seemed more context-dependent than male sexuality, although enhancing the general climate of the relationship may benefit feeling sexually satisfied in both men and women. DA Hidalgo, M Dewitte. Individual, Relational, and Sociocultural Determinants of Sexual Function and Sexual Satisfaction in Ecuador. Sex Med 2021;9:100307.

Cognitive-Affective Factors and Female Orgasm: A Comparative Study on Women With and Without Orgasm Difficulties

BackgroundOrgasmic difficulties are one of the most common sexual complaints among women. Although models of sexual dysfunction propose that cognitive-affective factors are involved in the development and maintenance of sexual difficulties, there is a need to further examine how these factors are associated with orgasmic difficulties specifically. AimTo analyze differences between women who reported orgasm difficulties and controls in regard to sexual inhibition, sexual excitation, sexual beliefs, as well as negative automatic thoughts and affect during sexual activity. MethodsA total of 500 women, aged 18 to 72 years, completed a Web survey focused on cognitive-affective factors and sexual health. Two hundred fifty women reported orgasm difficulties and were compared with 250 age-matched women who reported no sexual difficulties. OutcomesDifferences between groups regarding sexual inhibition and sexual excitation (Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales–Short Form), sexual beliefs (Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire), negative automatic thoughts (Automatic Thoughts Subscale of the Sexual Modes Questionnaire), and affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) during sexual activity. ResultsWomen with orgasm difficulties scored higher on sexual inhibition than controls. They also reported more negative automatic thoughts during sexual activity (concerning failure and disengagement, sexual abuse, lack of affection from partner, passivity, body image) and less erotic thoughts. Women with orgasm difficulties reported experiencing higher negative affect and lower positive affect during sexual activity than women who reported no sexual difficulties. No significant differences were found regarding sexual excitation and endorsement of sexual beliefs. Clinical ImplicationsHelping women shift their focus from non-erotic, negative thoughts to erotic stimuli, as well as addressing sexual inhibition, can be relevant targets of interventions aimed at women's orgasm difficulties. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths of the study include the use of a large sample of women who reported orgasm difficulties, offering new insights into the clinical importance of these psychological processes. Limitations include the reliance on self-report measures and a relatively homogeneous sample regarding sexual orientation, education, and age. ConclusionResults highlight the role of cognitive-affective factors on women's orgasm difficulties and emphasize the potential benefit of cognitive-behavioral and/or mindfulness interventions for orgasm difficulties.Moura CV, Tavares IM, Nobre PJ. Cognitive-Affective Factors and Female Orgasm: A Comparative Study on Women With and Without Orgasm Difficulties. J Sex Med 2020;17:2220–2228.

Effect of Counseling on the Sexual Satisfaction Level of Women with Sexual Dysfunction using PLISSIT Model Focused on Dysfunctional Sexual Beliefs

Background: Sexual satisfaction plays a vital role in the stability of a marriage. Dysfunctional sexual beliefs are often overlooked despite their recognition as factors negatively affecting sexual function and sexual satisfaction. Aim: This studyaimed to determine the effect of counseling based on the PLISSIT model focused on dysfunctional sexual beliefs on the sexual satisfaction level of women with sexual dysfunction. Method: This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out on 61 married females with sexual dysfunction during 2018-2019. The data were collected using Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire and Hudson's Index of Sexual Satisfaction. The intervention group received sexual counseling, whereas the control group received routine care. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 24) using the , Wilcoxon test, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The mean ages of the females in the intervention and control groups were 35.5±5.6 and 36.7±6.7 years, respectively. Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant increase in mean sexual satisfaction scores in the intervention group after the intervention, compared to scores before the intervention (2.8±7.7 vs. 0.3±2.3) (P=0.03). In addition, Mann-Whitney U revealed a significant decrease in the scores of sexual dysfunctional beliefs in the intervention group after the intervention, compared to the scores of the control group before the intervention (27.3±14.5 vs. 1.0±1.2) (P<0.001). Implications for Practice: With regard to the positive effect of counseling on correcting sexual dysfunctional beliefs, it is recommended that counseling method be implemented to increase sexual satisfaction levels in women.

Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ): Translation and psychometric properties of the Italian version

Summary The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ) is a validated and widespread measure to assess dysfunctional sexual beliefs. The study aimed to test the psychometrics of the Italian version of the SDBQ. A total of 1009 participants (422 men and 587 women, 739 healthy and 270 complaining about sexual problems) took part in the current study. Principal component analysis identified 3 factors in the male version: macho beliefs, sexual conservatism and control over sexuality. In the female version 4 factors were found: sexual conservatism, affection primacy, control over sexuality and age related beliefs. Confirmatory factorial analyses supported the adequacy of the factor structure for both genders. SDBQ showed associations with sexual functioning, differentiating between clinical and control group. This measure is useful in the assessment of sexual dysfunctions, evaluating sexual beliefs and assisting with clinical interventions aimed to work on these vulnerabilities and maintaining factors for sexual problems.

313 Modes, sexual beliefs, and cognitive schemas as important risk factors for male and female sexual dysfunctions: results from the Italian validation study of SMQ, SBDQ, and QCSASC

The literature highlights a significant role of automatic thoughts, sexual beliefs and cognitive schemas as risk factors triggering and maintaining sexual disfunctions. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidences highlighted in the validation studies of the Italian versions of the “Sexual Modes Questionnaire (SMQ)”, the “Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ)”, and the “Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context (QCSASC)” for the clinical practice. The results from three validation studies on 1051 participants (425 men and 626 women) are presented, focusing on clinical implications. The questionnaires assess different classes of cognitions related to sexuality, such as failure and erection concerns, age and body thoughts, erotic fantasies, attitudes towards sexuality, conservatism, occidental gender stereotypic roles and control over sexuality. Questionnaires ability to discriminate between sexually clinical and healthy people and the association between cognitive facets, emotions (measured by the “Positive and Negative Affect Schedule”), and sexual functioning (using the “IIEF/FSFI”) were explored.

Culture and Sexuality: Cognitive–Emotional Determinants of Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Iranian and New Zealand Women

BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated that culture plays a fundamental role in individuals' beliefs, attitudes, and values toward sexuality, and influences their ability to enjoy sex. It follows that culture may influence sexual satisfaction or dissatisfaction. AimTo examine and compare cognitive–emotional variables related to women's sexual dissatisfaction in Iran and New Zealand. MethodsIn total, 196 Iranian women and 207 New Zealand women participated in the study, answering questionnaires evaluating dysfunctional sexual beliefs, automatic thoughts, emotional and sexual response during sexual activity, as well as sexual satisfaction. OutcomesSexual beliefs were measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotional responses were measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, and sexual satisfaction was measured by the Sexual Satisfaction Index. ResultsFindings indicated that in both Iranian and New Zealand women, failure and disengagement thoughts, lack of erotic thoughts, and emotions of fear during sexual activity were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction. Besides these common predictors, results also indicated that sexual conservatism and women's sexual passivity beliefs, sexual abuse thoughts, and fear during sexual activity were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction in Iranian women. Beliefs of sexual desire and pleasure as a sin; age-related beliefs; and emotions such as sadness, disillusion, and hurt were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction in New Zealand women. Clinical TranslationThe present findings could facilitate a better understanding of cultural differences in the roles played by dysfunctional sexual beliefs, negative automatic thoughts, and negative emotions during sexual activity, and the value of these beliefs, thoughts, and emotions in predicting sexual dissatisfaction. ConclusionsThe strength of this study is in providing an examination of the role of culturally bound beliefs in predicting sexual dissatisfaction in women from different cultural backgrounds. Limitations include the lack of evaluation of psychological and interpersonal variables that may impact on women's sexual dissatisfaction. These findings suggest that there may be a role of culture in shaping beliefs, attitudes, and values toward sexuality; and provide evidence for the effect of cognitive–emotional variables in predicting women's sexual dissatisfaction.Abdolmanafi A, Nobre P, Winter S, et al. Culture and Sexuality: Cognitive–Emotional Determinants of Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Iranian and New Zealand Women. J Sex Med 2018;15:687–697.

Sexual Inhibition is a Vulnerability Factor for Orgasm Problems in Women

BackgroundThe differential role of psychological traits in the etiology and maintenance of female orgasm difficulties is yet to be consistently established. AimTo investigate the contribution of different psychological trait features (personality, sexual inhibition and excitation, and sexual beliefs) to predict female orgasm and to assess the degree to which these dispositional factors moderate the association between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence in a large community sample of Portuguese women. Methods1,002 women (18–72 years, mean age = 26.27, SD = 8.74) completed questionnaires assessing personality traits (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), sexual inhibition and sexual excitation (Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales–Short Form [SIS/SES]), sexual beliefs (Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire), sexual behavior (frequency of sexual activities and frequency of orgasm occurrence), and social desirability (Socially Desirable Response Set). Hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analyses were conducted while controlling for the effect of covariates such as social desirability, sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and relationship factors. OutcomesThe main outcome measurement was orgasm frequency as predicted and moderated by personality, SIS/SES dimensions, and sexual beliefs. ResultsResults of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated a significant predictive role for sexual inhibition (associated with fear of performance failure [SIS1] and related to the threat of performance consequences) and body image beliefs in female orgasm occurrence. The significant predictive effect of extraversion and of sexual excitation on orgasm frequency ceased to be significant with the insertion of all trait predictors in the final model. Furthermore, SIS1 significantly moderated the relation between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence. Clinical ImplicationsAttention should be given to individual factors impairing orgasmic response in women, particularly sexual inhibition processes. The development of clinical strategies to address and regulate them is recommended. Strengths and LimitationsAlthough this study investigated a large community sample, this sample was composed of heterosexual, relatively young women and thus generalization of the present results demands some caution. Social desirability was controlled for in the analyses and questionnaires were not collected face to face, which constitutes a strength of this study because social desirability is lower in self-administered online questionnaires compared with paper-and-pencil questionnaires, particularly for more sensitive sexual issues. ConclusionSIS1 was found to be a vulnerability factor for female orgasmic difficulties. Future research should test these findings with different samples, particularly clinical samples of women with orgasmic problems, preferably with the use of longitudinal designs.Tavares IM, Laan ETM, Nobre PJ. Sexual Inhibition is a Vulnerability Factor for Orgasm Problems in Women. J Sex Med 2018;15:361–372.

Sex Life in Women With Sexual Pain: A Preliminary Study

Female sexual pain (FSP) has a multifactorial aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. FSP has been shown to have a negative impact on quality of life of afflicted women. Many cognitive and affective variables may influence the experience of pain and associated psychosexual concerns. However, the consequences on sexual function and satisfaction have been studied very little. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the sexual sphere of women who report this condition. Data were collected on 377 women (131 with sexual pain and 246 without sexual pain), aged between 18 and 59 (M = 29.23; SD = 8.10). The following tests have been administered: a socio-demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), Sexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS-W), Sexual Modes Questionnaire (SMQ-W), Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ-W), Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context (QCSASC-W) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (McGILL). Participants were recruited through snowball technique.

“Macho” Beliefs Moderate the Association Between Negative Sexual Episodes and Activation of Incompetence Schemas in Sexual Context, in Gay and Heterosexual Men

BackgroundDespite the existence of conceptual models of sexual dysfunction based on cognitive theory, few studies have tested the role of vulnerability factors such as sexual beliefs as moderators of the activation of cognitive schemas in response to negative sexual events. AimTo test the moderator role of dysfunctional sexual beliefs in the association between the frequency of negative sexual episodes and the activation of incompetence schemas in gay and heterosexual men. MethodsFive-hundred seventy-five men (287 gay, 288 heterosexual) who completed an online survey on cognitive-affective dimensions and sexual functioning were selected from a larger database. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to test the hypothesis that dysfunctional sexual beliefs moderate the association between the frequency of unsuccessful sexual episodes and the activation of incompetence schemas. OutcomeParticipants completed the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire and the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schemas Activated in Sexual Context. ResultsFindings indicated that men's ability for always being ready for sex, to satisfy the partner, and to maintain an erection until ending sexual activity constitute “macho” beliefs that moderate the activation of incompetence schemas when unsuccessful sexual events occur in gay and heterosexual men. In addition, activation of incompetence schemas in response to negative sexual events in gay men was moderated by the endorsement of conservative attitudes toward moderate sexuality. Clinical ImplicationsThe main findings suggested that psychological interventions targeting dysfunctional sexual beliefs could help de-catastrophize the consequences of negative sexual events and facilitate sexual functioning. Strengths and LimitationsDespite being a web-based study, it represents the first attempt to test the moderator role of dysfunctional sexual beliefs in the association between the frequency of unsuccessful sexual episodes and the activation of incompetence schemas in gay and heterosexual men. ConclusionOverall, findings support the role of sexual beliefs as facilitators of the activation of incompetence schemas in the face of negative sexual events in gay and heterosexual men, emphasizing the need to develop treatment and prevention strategies aimed at challenging common male beliefs about sexuality.Peixoto MM, Nobre P. “Macho” Beliefs Moderate the Association Between Negative Sexual Episodes and Activation of Incompetence Schemas in Sexual Context, in Gay and Heterosexual Men. J Sex Med 2017;14:518–525.

Sexual Functioning, Beliefs About Sexual Functioning and Quality of Life of Women with Infertility Problems.

Background:The study was conducted in the background of paucity of studies examining the sexual and psychosocial functioning of women with infertility.Aims:The study explored sexual functioning in women with infertility problems, their beliefs about sexuality and their quality of life.Settings and Design:A single group exploratory design with non-probability purposive sampling was used. A total of 30 participants diagnosed with primary infertility were included in the study.Materials and Methods:The data were obtained by individual administration of the following tools: Semi-structured interview schedule, Female Sexual Functioning Inventory, Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale − BREF Version and General Health Questionnaire-12. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.Results:About half of the participants had sexual dysfunction. Pain-related problems were most commonly reported (50%). Factors contributing to dysfunction included inadequate knowledge about sex, sexual stimulation and sexual communication. Along with inadequate self-image, negative childhood experiences, financial difficulties and marital discord in parents influenced the perception of self. Majority of the women had dysfunctional beliefs about sexuality (56%), and greater beliefs were found to be in the domain of sexual conservatism. The overall quality of life was poor, and 56% of women experienced psychological distress. There was significant positive correlation between sexual conservatism and experience of pain and overall sexual functioning.Conclusion:Women with infertility bear dysfunctional beliefs and suffer from problems in sexual functioning, have low quality of life and high psychological distress.

Sexual Satisfaction in Patients with Diabetes Type 2 and Their Partners

Aim: Sexual health is a very important topic in diabetes. This paper examines the impact of diabetes on the sexual relationship of patients with diabetes and their partners. Methods: A sample of 87 patients with type 2 diabetes and their partners participated in the study. Instruments used were: Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ), Sexual Beliefs and Information Questionnaire (SBIQ), Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) and Diabetes Adherence (DA). Results: Results showed that there were differences in psychological variables according to gender, age, education and illness duration. Adherence was positively correlated with sexual information and negatively with dysfunctional beliefs, in patients. Sexual satisfaction, in patients, was positively correlated with dyadic adjustment and negatively with dysfunctional sexual beliefs. Patient’s sexual satisfaction was also positively related with partner’s sexual information, dyadic adjustment, sexual satisfaction and negatively with dysfunctional beliefs. In both patients and partners, female gender, more sexual dysfunctional beliefs and less dyadic adjustment were predictors of sexual dissatisfaction. Conclusion: This study highlights the intrinsic relationship between sexual beliefs, dyadic adjustment and adherence, in patients with diabetes type 2 and their partners emphasizing the need to use a dyadic approach in this population.

Determinants of Women's Sexual Dissatisfaction: Assessing a Cognitive-Emotional Model

IntroductionRecent studies have demonstrated the role of sexual dysfunctional beliefs, negative automatic thoughts, and emotional responses in relation to sexual functioning. Nevertheless, no studies seem to have evaluated the role of these cognitive-emotional factors in determining sexual dissatisfaction. AimTo test a cognitive-emotional model of sexual dissatisfaction in women. MethodsIn total, 207 women answered questionnaires assessing sexual dissatisfaction and cognitive and emotional variables that might affect sexual dissatisfaction. Main Outcome MeasuresSexual dissatisfaction was measured by the Index of Sexual Satisfaction, sexual beliefs were measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, and thoughts and emotional responses were measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire. ResultsA path analysis was conducted to assess the conceptual model proposed. Results indicated that dysfunctional sexual beliefs work as predisposing factors by eliciting negative automatic thoughts and emotions, which impair the processing of erotic stimuli and interfere negatively with sexual satisfaction. ConclusionThis finding suggests a role for cognitive and emotional factors in predisposing and maintaining sexual dissatisfaction in women, suggesting relevant implications for intervention.

Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ): Translation and Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version.

The sexual dysfunctional beliefs questionnaire (SDBQ) is a validated measure for assessing dysfunctional sexual beliefs. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the SDBQ to Iranian context. In order to translate the questionnaire from English into Persian, a forward-backward procedure was applied. After linguistic validation, the psychometric properties of the Iranian version were assessed for both men and women. A total of 387 participants (226 women and 161 men) completed the SDBQ. A principle component analysis with varimax rotation was performed for both the male and female samples. Reliability was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency) and test-retest coefficients (intraclass correlation coefficient). The results from the principle component analysis identified six factors in the female version: sexual conservatism and female sexual passivity, beliefs about masturbation, body image beliefs, sexual desire and pleasure as a sin, age-related beliefs, and denying affection primacy. In the male version six factors were also identified: sex as an abuse of men's power, beliefs related to women's satisfaction, sexual conservatism, female sexual power, "macho" beliefs, and restrictive attitudes toward sex. Findings support the original six-factor solution for the male sample. For the female sample, although a six-factor solution was found, original motherhood-related beliefs were included in the sexual conservatism and female sexual passivity factor, and a new dimension has emerged, related to masturbation beliefs. Additionally, results indicated that the SDBQ had good internal consistency and test-retest reliability in both male and female versions. Current findings support the reliability and validity of the SDBQ in an Iranian sample and suggest its applicability to assess sexual beliefs in both clinical samples and the general population in Iran.

Cognitive Aspects of Sexual Functioning: Differences Between East Asian-Canadian and Euro-Canadian Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual beliefs of female undergraduates, as well as the thoughts they experience during sexual experiences. The study aimed to determine potential differences in these variables between East Asian-Canadians and Euro-Canadians, as well as the influence of acculturation on these variables. In addition, the relationships between sexual beliefs, automatic thoughts, and specific aspects of sexual functioning were examined. Euro-Canadian (n = 77) and East Asian-Canadian (n = 123) undergraduate women completed the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Vancouver Index of Acculturation. East Asian women endorsed almost all sexual beliefs assessed in this study more than did Euro-Canadian women, and endorsement of these beliefs was associated with acculturation. In addition, East Asian-Canadian and Euro-Canadian women differed in the frequency of experiencing negative automatic thoughts. Results also revealed associations between difficulties in sexual functioning, and both sexual beliefs and automatic thoughts. Together, these results provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that differences in cognitive aspects of sexuality may underlie the differences in sexual functioning previously observed between these two groups.

Cognitive and Emotional Determinants Characterizing Women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

IntroductionPersistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a relatively unknown clinical condition affecting several women. Moral standards, as well as conservative beliefs regarding sexuality, are believed to be involved in the etiology and maintenance of this syndrome. Nevertheless, there are no consistent data on the content of the beliefs system presented by these women. AimThe aim of this study was to characterize the cognitive and emotional style of women reporting PGAD. More precisely, the content of sexual beliefs, thoughts, and emotions during sexual intercourse was explored. MethodsForty‐three women presenting PGAD and 42 controls responded to a web survey. This study was cross‐cultural in nature and women worldwide (over 18 years old) were asked to participate. Main Outcome MeasuresParticipants answered the following online questionnaires: Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, Sexual Modes Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Brief Symptom Inventory. Additionally, participants responded to a checklist assessing the presence and frequency of PGAD symptoms. ResultsAfter controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and psychopathology, findings showed that women reporting PGAD symptoms presented significantly more dysfunctional sexual beliefs (e.g., sexual conservatism, sexual desire as a sin), as well as more negative thoughts (e.g., thoughts of sexual abuse and of lack of partner's affection) and dysfunctional affective states (more negative and less positive affect) during sexual activity than non‐PGAD women. ConclusionsNotwithstanding the impact of neurophysiological determinants in the etiology of this syndrome, results support the psychological conceptualization of PGAD and highlight the role of cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) for PGAD symptomatology. More specifically, cognitive and behavioral strategies would be aimed at targeting maladaptive sexual beliefs and thoughts, as well as regulating negative affective states resulting from a dysfunctional cognitive style regarding sexuality. In all, CBT in association with a medical/pharmacological approach, could be clinically relevant in the management of PGAD.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PSYCHOLOGY: Sexual Desire in Women: An Integrative Approach Regarding Psychological, Medical, and Relationship Dimensions

Sexual desire depends on the balance between biologic, psychological, and cultural values. Therefore, conceptualizations of female sexual desire difficulties should consider the interrelated role of those factors. The aim of this study was to test a conceptual model regarding factors often implicated on female sexual desire, in order to understand the way those factors interact in sexual interest. Moreover, we intended to evaluate the mediation role of cognitive-emotional factors between sexual desire and other dimensions such as age, medical problems, psychopathology, or dyadic adjustment. Two hundred and thirty-seven women from the general population participated in the study. We evaluated psychopathology, dysfunctional sexual beliefs, automatic thoughts and emotions during sexual activity, dyadic adjustment, and presence of medical problems. Psychopathology measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory, dysfunctional sexual beliefs measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotions in sexual context measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, dyadic adjustment measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, medical condition measured by the Medical History Formulation, and sexual desire measured by the Sexual Desire subscale of the Female Sexual Function Index. Results from the proposed conceptual model suggest that cognitive factors (mainly automatic thoughts during sexual activity) were the best predictors of sexual desire. In a more specific way, age, failure/disengagement thoughts, and lack of erotic thoughts during sexual activity, showed a significant direct effect on reduced sexual desire. Furthermore, sexual conservatism beliefs, and medical factors showed indirect effects, acting on sexual desire via the presence of lack of erotic thoughts, and failure/disengagement sexual thoughts, respectively. Results from this integrative approach support the need to include cognitive dimensions in the assessment and treatment of sexual desire problems, considering their implication as vulnerability or resilient factors regarding deficient sexual interest in women.

Psychological Determinants of Erectile Dysfunction: Testing a Cognitive–Emotional Model

Recent studies have shown the impact of sexual dysfunctional beliefs, negative cognitive schemas, negative automatic thoughts, and depressed affect on male erectile dysfunction. Despite this fact, there are only few conceptual models that try to integrate these findings, and more importantly, there is a lack of studies that test the validity of those conceptual models. The aim of the present article was to test a cognitive-emotional model for erectile dysfunction. Taking previous research findings into account, we developed a cognitive-emotional model for erectile disorder (ED) and used path analysis to test it. A total of 352 men (303 participants from the general population and 49 participants with a DSM-IV diagnosis of sexual dysfunction) answered a set of questionnaires assessing cognitive and emotional variables. Erectile Function measured by the EF subscale of the International Index of Erectile Function, cognitive schemas measured by the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context, sexual beliefs measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotions measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire. The effects of the main proposed direct predictors explained 55% of the erectile function variance (R = 0.74). Most remaining direct effects proposed in the model were also statistically significant. The analysis of the absolute residuals showed that most of the implied correlations were close to the observed zero order correlations, indicated the adjustment of the model to the observed data. These findings support the role played by cognitive and emotional factors on the predisposition and maintenance of male erectile dysfunction and suggest important implications for assessment and treatment of ED.