Dysfunctional sexual beliefs as vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction

TLDR

The study compared sexual beliefs between individuals with and without sexual dysfunction. A total of 488 participants (160 healthy females, 232 healthy males, 47 dysfunctional females, and 49 dysfunctional males) completed the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire. Both dysfunctional men and women reported more dysfunctional sexual beliefs than functional peers, with women showing significant age‑related and body‑image beliefs and men exhibiting higher (though not significant) macho and satisfaction beliefs, supporting sexual beliefs as vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction.

Abstract

The differences on sexual beliefs presented by men and women with sexual dysfunction and their sexually functional counterparts were investigated. A total of 488 participants (160 females and 232 males without sexual problems and 47 females and 49 males with a DSM-IV diagnosis of sexual dysfunction) answered the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire. Findings showed that, although effects have only reached statistical significance for the female group, both dysfunctional men and women endorsed more sexual dysfunctional beliefs than functional. Women presented significantly more age related beliefs (after menopause women loose their sexual desire, as women age, the pleasure they get from sex decreases) and body image beliefs (women who are not physically attractive cannot be sexually satisfied). Additionally, sexually dysfunctional males presented higher scores (not statistically significant) on 'macho' belief (a real man has sexual intercourse very often) and the beliefs about women satisfaction (the quality of the erection is what most satisfies women). Overall, findings support the idea that sexual beliefs may play a role as vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction.