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Research Interests: Asexuality and Fantasy
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Il desiderio sessuale è caratterizzato da un complesso scenario di fattori biopsicosociali in continua interazione fra loro. Sul versante maschile, le ricerche si sono focalizzate prettamente sul Disturbo da Desiderio Ipoattivo, su uomini... more
Il desiderio sessuale è caratterizzato da un complesso scenario di fattori biopsicosociali in continua interazione fra loro. Sul versante maschile, le ricerche si sono focalizzate prettamente sul Disturbo da Desiderio Ipoattivo, su uomini eterosessuali e in una relazione stabile. Perciò esistono ancora poche evidenze capaci di spiegare il funzionamento generale di questa fase della risposta sessuale (Reisman et al., 2015)
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Background: Erotic fantasies are the most common sexual experiences and provide valuable clinical material for understanding individual and relational emotional dynamics. The primary objective of this study is to validate the Sexual... more
Background: Erotic fantasies are the most common sexual experiences and provide valuable clinical material for understanding individual and relational emotional dynamics. The primary objective of this study is to validate the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire (SDEF) Part 3–Inventory of Erotic Fantasies. This questionnaire was designed to be a sex-positive and inclusive measure of the content of erotic fantasies, accessible to individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship/romantic status, and sexual behaviors. Methods: The SDEF3 was completed by 1773 Italian participants (1105 women, 645 men, and 23 participants identifying as other genders). Two factorial structures were presented and discussed: a 20-dimension structure for clinical and explorative use and a 6-dimension structure for research purposes. Results: The six-factor version was preferred due to its robust statistical properties and its ability to differentiate between sexually clini...
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Difficulties related to sexual desire discrepancy are among the most common complaints in people seeking help in therapy. The aims of the current study were to test a mediation model using a bootstrapping procedure where the quality of... more
Difficulties related to sexual desire discrepancy are among the most common complaints in people seeking help in therapy. The aims of the current study were to test a mediation model using a bootstrapping procedure where the quality of the dyadic sexual communication plays a key role in increasing or diminishing the degree of perceived sexual desire discrepancy through sexual satisfaction. An online survey was administered through social media to N = 369 participants involved in a romantic relationship, measuring the quality of dyadic sexual communication, sexual satisfaction, the degree of the perceived sexual desire discrepancy, and a series of relevant covariates. As expected, the mediation model showed that a better quality of dyadic sexual communication is related to a lower degree of perceived sexual desire discrepancy through increased sexual satisfaction (β = −0.17, SE = 0.05, [95% CI = −0.27, −0.07]). The effect held over and above the effect of the relevant covariates. The...
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Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on sexual desire expressions, sexual orientation, and identity in understudied groups inside the LGBT+ community. Recent Findings Sexual desire and related... more
Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on sexual desire expressions, sexual orientation, and identity in understudied groups inside the LGBT+ community. Recent Findings Sexual desire and related problems have unique expressions in LGBT+ people which influence their sexual health. Emerging sex-positive approaches might be powerful and prominent tools to provide support and education on behalf of safer sex practices and marginalized sexualities. The importance of deepening LGBT+ sexualities and relationships, not only in lesbian women and gay men but also in all the other shades of the rainbow (bisexual, transgender, asexual, fluid, and non-binary/genderqueer identities), is strongly highlighted. Summary A lack of literature regarding sexual desire in LGBT+ people is reported. Results are controversial and research is still limited on this topic, with little information available about sexual and health needs of sexual minorities beyond gay ...
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Research Interests: Psychology and Lesbian
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Presentazione: Il costrutto dell'alessitimia descrive un insieme di deficit della capacità di elaborare le emozioni da un punto di vista cognitivo, o in una più ampia accezione, un disturbo della regolazione affettiva.... more
Presentazione: Il costrutto dell'alessitimia descrive un insieme di deficit della capacità di elaborare le emozioni da un punto di vista cognitivo, o in una più ampia accezione, un disturbo della regolazione affettiva. L'alessitimia è stata inizialmente considerata come tipica di pazienti con malattie ...
Research Interests: Humanities and Art
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Background Earlier diagnosis and improved treatments have led to better outcomes in breast cancer, making quality of life a key issue. Sexuality represents a pillar of quality of life, although it is often neglected by both healthcare... more
Background Earlier diagnosis and improved treatments have led to better outcomes in breast cancer, making quality of life a key issue. Sexuality represents a pillar of quality of life, although it is often neglected by both healthcare providers and patients when it comes to cancer. This study aims to explore the differences in sexual functioning, distress, psychopathology, emotions, and cognitions between breast cancer patients under hormonal treatment and controls. Methods Seventy-nine women (age range between 24 and 69 years) in hormonal therapy for breast cancer completed a self-reported protocol. A matched control group of 103 women was randomly extracted from an Italian general population database. Eight self-report questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial factors were administered. Results The current study showed an impaired sexuality in breast cancer patients compared to controls. Breast cancer women under hormonal treatment were characterized by diminished or absent sexual activity (chi 2 = 36.16; p < 0.001), lower level of sexual functioning in all areas except for pain ( F (1,180) = 8.1; p < 0.01), higher sexual ( F (1,180) = 10.08; p < 0.001) and psychological distress ( F (1,180) = 6.23; p < 0.05), higher scores in Difficulties in Identifying Feelings ( F (1,180) = 7.31; p < 0.01) and Externally Oriented Thinking ( F (1,180) = 6.64; p < 0.05), higher level of negative emotions related to sexuality ( F (1,180) = 11.13; p < 0.001), and more rigid cognition towards peculiar aspects of sexuality, such as Failure Disengagement Thoughts ( F (1,180) = 22.01; p < 0.001) and Age related Beliefs ( F (1,180) = 5.7; p < 0.05). Conclusions Health care providers do not usually assess those issues in their routine practice, so that sexuality remains an unmet need with remarkable effects on general health and quality of life.
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Il tumore al seno è la forma di cancro più frequente e, ancora oggi, nonostante vi sia stato un miglioramento della prognosi, esso rimane la prima causa di morte da tumore nelle donne. L'obiettivo del presente studio è stato quello di... more
Il tumore al seno è la forma di cancro più frequente e, ancora oggi, nonostante vi sia stato un miglioramento della prognosi, esso rimane la prima causa di morte da tumore nelle donne. L'obiettivo del presente studio è stato quello di valutare la qualità della vita e indagare gli aspetti psicologici, sessuologici ed affettivi in donne affette da carcinoma mammario, ponendole a confronto con un gruppo di con-trollo e identificare le possibili differenze. Il protocollo, composto da strumenti self-report, è stato somministrato a 97 donne suddivise in due gruppi: il gruppo clinico (n = 44 donne con tumore al seno in menopausa iatrogena) e il gruppo di controllo (n = 53 donne in menopausa). Le analisi hanno cercato di indagare quali domini hanno determinato la significatività nel confronto tra i due gruppi. È stato valutato il funzionamento sessuale (FSFI) e il distress (FSDS), il funzionamento psicologico (SCL-90-R) ed emozionale relativo alla sessualità (PANAS). Le donne con cancro...
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INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that affects women's quality of life, sexuality, and relationship. Endometriosis-associated pain plays an essential role in well-being impairment. The present review aimed... more
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that affects women's quality of life, sexuality, and relationship. Endometriosis-associated pain plays an essential role in well-being impairment. The present review aimed to analyze literature about endometriosis-associated pain and quality of life, sexual health, and quality of the relationship, assessing the role of the biopsychosocial factors involved and the women's pain experience. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Bibliographic research of relevant articles published from 2015 to 2020 in PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Endometriosis is associated with impairing all women's quality of life domains, and pain appears to be the most influential variable. The pain mechanism is not simple and implies several biological, psychological, and social factors. Women's sexual health is also impaired, and patients report dyspareunia, sexual dysfunctions, dissatisfaction, and distress. Partners' sexual well being is compromised as well. Endometriosis negatively influences relationship quality, and the illness burden affects both couple members. CONCLUSIONS A multidisciplinary team using a couple-centered and a biopsychosocial approach is crucial to provide appropriate treatment for endometriosis-associated pain. A better comprehension of all bio-psycho-social aspects implicated in women's well-being and pain experience needs more research.
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Objective: Several researches investigated the attitudes of heterosexuals and LGBT people towards marriage and parenting of lesbians and gays. The objective of the present study is to explore the correlation between these attitudes and... more
Objective: Several researches investigated the attitudes of heterosexuals and LGBT people towards marriage and parenting of lesbians and gays. The objective of the present study is to explore the correlation between these attitudes and levels of sexism, social homophobia and internalized sexual stigma. Design and Method: The participants were 826 (534 F, 292 M), aged between 17 and 70. 59,8% defined him/her-self as “exclusively heterosexual”, 29,2% as “exclusively homosexual” and 11% as “bisexual”. The following tests have been administered: Questionnaire on socio-demographic Information, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory; Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gays; Modern Homophobia Scale, The Katuzny Same-sex Marriage Scale; D’Amore and Green Same-sex Parenting Scale. Results: Positive correlations have been found between: sexism and homophobia (r = .378; p < .01) and sexism and internalized sexual stigma (r = .320; p < .01). Male subjects obtained higher scores i...
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Introduction & objectives: Literature showed a close relationship between desire and arousal on female side, emphasized by DSM-5. On the contrary, male sexual response has historically been considered more simple and mechanistic. Aim of... more
Introduction & objectives: Literature showed a close relationship between desire and
arousal on female side, emphasized by DSM-5. On the contrary, male sexual response
has historically been considered more simple and mechanistic. Aim of this study was to
evaluate the role of some biopsychosocial variables affecting male sexual desire such as
Quality of Life (QoL), psychological symptoms, emotions, alexithymia, sexual function,
distress, satisfaction, couple adjustment, sexism, cognitive schema, beliefs, and
scripts.
Population sample: A self-administered survey reached 238 heterosexual male subjects
(age 32.01±10.27).
Method(s): It was composed by 14 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial elements
involved in sexual response: SF36, BDI II, STAI-Y, SCL-90-R, TAS-20, IIEF, PESI,
SSS-M, SDS-M, DAS, SMQ, SDBQ, and QCSASC.
Results: Results of this preliminary study showed “Lack of erotic thoughts” as main
predictor of low level of sexual desire in men (b¼-.28). “Desire of having a baby”,
“Energy/fatigue”, “Depression”, “Premature ejaculation severity”, “Sexual Distress”,
“Subjective sexual response”, and “Sexual conservativism” are strictly connected to level
of sexual desire.
Conclusion & recommendations: Male sexual desire is characterized by a complex
interaction between biological, psychological, and social elements. At the current state
of art, the analysis of these predictors seems to suggest that current models are not
sufficient to explain the complexity of male sexual desire.
Keywords: sexual desire, male sexuality, sexual interest
Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement: None.
arousal on female side, emphasized by DSM-5. On the contrary, male sexual response
has historically been considered more simple and mechanistic. Aim of this study was to
evaluate the role of some biopsychosocial variables affecting male sexual desire such as
Quality of Life (QoL), psychological symptoms, emotions, alexithymia, sexual function,
distress, satisfaction, couple adjustment, sexism, cognitive schema, beliefs, and
scripts.
Population sample: A self-administered survey reached 238 heterosexual male subjects
(age 32.01±10.27).
Method(s): It was composed by 14 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial elements
involved in sexual response: SF36, BDI II, STAI-Y, SCL-90-R, TAS-20, IIEF, PESI,
SSS-M, SDS-M, DAS, SMQ, SDBQ, and QCSASC.
Results: Results of this preliminary study showed “Lack of erotic thoughts” as main
predictor of low level of sexual desire in men (b¼-.28). “Desire of having a baby”,
“Energy/fatigue”, “Depression”, “Premature ejaculation severity”, “Sexual Distress”,
“Subjective sexual response”, and “Sexual conservativism” are strictly connected to level
of sexual desire.
Conclusion & recommendations: Male sexual desire is characterized by a complex
interaction between biological, psychological, and social elements. At the current state
of art, the analysis of these predictors seems to suggest that current models are not
sufficient to explain the complexity of male sexual desire.
Keywords: sexual desire, male sexuality, sexual interest
Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement: None.
Research Interests:
Objective: Previous studies examined the influence of sexism, gender stereotypes, and sexual beliefs on relationships and sexual behaviours. Clinical expertise in sexology and couple therapy leads to think that rigid scripts and... more
Objective: Previous studies examined the influence of sexism, gender
stereotypes, and sexual beliefs on relationships and sexual behaviours.
Clinical expertise in sexology and couple therapy leads to think that rigid
scripts and dysfunctional beliefs, about gender and sexuality, negatively
affect relational and sexual satisfaction. The aim of the present explorative
study was to analyse the correlation between benevolent and hostile
sexism, sexual dysfunctional beliefs (SDB) and sexual and relational
satisfaction in a group of heterosexual men and women. In line with the
literature, we expected worse profile of satisfaction on people who scored
higher on sexism and dysfunctional beliefs; moreover, we expected
different associations between specific stereotypes and satisfaction
depending on gender.
Methods: The participants were 592 (354 F, 238 M). They completed:
Questionnaire on socio-demographic Information, Ambivalent Sexism
Inventory; Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire; Dyadic Adjustment
Scale; Sexual Satisfaction Scale.
Results: Male group showed a negative correlation between SDB, dyadic
and sexual satisfaction. A negative correlation between hostile sexism and
dyadic satisfaction has been observed. Results highlighted, in female group, a
negative correlation between SDB and sexual and dyadic satisfaction. Only
for females, the affection-primacy subscale resulted as the main predictor of
dyadic satisfaction (b¼.246; p<.001) among the studied variables.
Conclusion: Cultural factors have a significant impact on sexual satisfaction.
The results of the present study suggest that different variables, in both
male’s and female’s satisfaction, should be considered. Today stereotypes
seem to be stronger in males. The dimensions of affect and sexuality are
different for women, and it is important to explore both of them during
counselling and sex therapy.
Policy of full disclosure: None
stereotypes, and sexual beliefs on relationships and sexual behaviours.
Clinical expertise in sexology and couple therapy leads to think that rigid
scripts and dysfunctional beliefs, about gender and sexuality, negatively
affect relational and sexual satisfaction. The aim of the present explorative
study was to analyse the correlation between benevolent and hostile
sexism, sexual dysfunctional beliefs (SDB) and sexual and relational
satisfaction in a group of heterosexual men and women. In line with the
literature, we expected worse profile of satisfaction on people who scored
higher on sexism and dysfunctional beliefs; moreover, we expected
different associations between specific stereotypes and satisfaction
depending on gender.
Methods: The participants were 592 (354 F, 238 M). They completed:
Questionnaire on socio-demographic Information, Ambivalent Sexism
Inventory; Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire; Dyadic Adjustment
Scale; Sexual Satisfaction Scale.
Results: Male group showed a negative correlation between SDB, dyadic
and sexual satisfaction. A negative correlation between hostile sexism and
dyadic satisfaction has been observed. Results highlighted, in female group, a
negative correlation between SDB and sexual and dyadic satisfaction. Only
for females, the affection-primacy subscale resulted as the main predictor of
dyadic satisfaction (b¼.246; p<.001) among the studied variables.
Conclusion: Cultural factors have a significant impact on sexual satisfaction.
The results of the present study suggest that different variables, in both
male’s and female’s satisfaction, should be considered. Today stereotypes
seem to be stronger in males. The dimensions of affect and sexuality are
different for women, and it is important to explore both of them during
counselling and sex therapy.
Policy of full disclosure: None
Research Interests:
Objective: Literature showed a close relationship between desire and arousal on the female side, emphasized by the DSM-5. There is the need for better understanding the male sexual response which has historically been considered more... more
Objective: Literature showed a close relationship between desire and arousal
on the female side, emphasized by the DSM-5. There is the need for better
understanding the male sexual response which has historically been
considered more simple and mechanistic compared to female’s one. Aim of
this study was to evaluate the role of the main biopsychosocial variables
affecting male sexual desire such as Quality of Life (QoL), psychological
symptoms, sexual function, related distress, cognitive schema and beliefs,
sexual and relational satisfaction.
Methods: A self-administered online survey reached 238 heterosexual male
subjects (age 32.01±10.27) from general population from March 2015 to
April 2016. It was composed by 13 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial
elements involved in sexual response: SF36, BDI II, STAI-Y, SCL-90-R,
TAS-20, DAS, SSS-M, MSDS, IIEF, SMQ, SDBQ and QCSASC.
Results: The results of this preliminary study showed “Lack of erotic
thoughts” as main predictor of low level of sexual desire in men (b¼-.28,
p<.01), “Desire of having a baby”, “Energy/Vitality” and “Sexual
conservatorism” are strictly connected to level of sexual desire. The influence
of other variables will be discussed.
Conclusion: Male sexual desire is characterized by a complex interaction
between biological, psychological and social elements. The analysis of these
factors seems to suggest that current models are not sufficient to explain the
complexity of male sexual desire. Is emphasized the need to conduct more
detailed studies on male sexual desire and to integrate the use of tools able to
work on sexual fantasies, stereotypes and beliefs in clinical practice.
on the female side, emphasized by the DSM-5. There is the need for better
understanding the male sexual response which has historically been
considered more simple and mechanistic compared to female’s one. Aim of
this study was to evaluate the role of the main biopsychosocial variables
affecting male sexual desire such as Quality of Life (QoL), psychological
symptoms, sexual function, related distress, cognitive schema and beliefs,
sexual and relational satisfaction.
Methods: A self-administered online survey reached 238 heterosexual male
subjects (age 32.01±10.27) from general population from March 2015 to
April 2016. It was composed by 13 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial
elements involved in sexual response: SF36, BDI II, STAI-Y, SCL-90-R,
TAS-20, DAS, SSS-M, MSDS, IIEF, SMQ, SDBQ and QCSASC.
Results: The results of this preliminary study showed “Lack of erotic
thoughts” as main predictor of low level of sexual desire in men (b¼-.28,
p<.01), “Desire of having a baby”, “Energy/Vitality” and “Sexual
conservatorism” are strictly connected to level of sexual desire. The influence
of other variables will be discussed.
Conclusion: Male sexual desire is characterized by a complex interaction
between biological, psychological and social elements. The analysis of these
factors seems to suggest that current models are not sufficient to explain the
complexity of male sexual desire. Is emphasized the need to conduct more
detailed studies on male sexual desire and to integrate the use of tools able to
work on sexual fantasies, stereotypes and beliefs in clinical practice.
Research Interests:
Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and quality of life... more
Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial
aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has
been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and
quality of life of affected 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.
Methods: Data were collected on 377 women (131 with sexual pain in
the last 6 months and 246 without sexual pain), aged between 18 and 59
(M ¼ 29.23; SD ¼ 8.10). Participants completed: a socio-demographic
questionnaire, FSFI, FSDS, SSS-W, SMQ-W, SDBQ-W, QCSASC-W and
McGill Pain Questionnaire. Participants were recruited through snowballs
technique.
Results: Women with sexual pain totalized worse scores in: sexual
functioning (F(1,333)¼ 23.35; p < .001) and sexual satisfaction (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .05). They obtained higher scores in personal distress (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .01) compared to controls. Moreover, they reported a higher
frequency of: failure/disengagement (F(1,324)¼ 9.85; p < .01) and low self
body image (F(1,324)¼ 5.49; p < .05) thoughts, feelings of guilt (F(1,329)¼
4.27; p < .05), incompetence (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .01), difference/loneliness
(F(1,327)¼ 9.03; p < .01) and helpless (F(1,327)¼ 4.05; p < .05) concerning
sexual activity, than women without sexual pain.
Conclusion: Data suggest that GPPD have a negative influence on women’s
sexuality. Therefore, this study suggests the need of psychosexual counselling
during the medical treatment of the disease, in order to achieve a good
sexuality. In this sense, we consider that GPPD evaluation and treatment are
performed through a comprehensive somato-psychological multimodal
approach.
Policy of full disclosure: None
aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has
been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and
quality of life of affected 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.
Methods: Data were collected on 377 women (131 with sexual pain in
the last 6 months and 246 without sexual pain), aged between 18 and 59
(M ¼ 29.23; SD ¼ 8.10). Participants completed: a socio-demographic
questionnaire, FSFI, FSDS, SSS-W, SMQ-W, SDBQ-W, QCSASC-W and
McGill Pain Questionnaire. Participants were recruited through snowballs
technique.
Results: Women with sexual pain totalized worse scores in: sexual
functioning (F(1,333)¼ 23.35; p < .001) and sexual satisfaction (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .05). They obtained higher scores in personal distress (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .01) compared to controls. Moreover, they reported a higher
frequency of: failure/disengagement (F(1,324)¼ 9.85; p < .01) and low self
body image (F(1,324)¼ 5.49; p < .05) thoughts, feelings of guilt (F(1,329)¼
4.27; p < .05), incompetence (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .01), difference/loneliness
(F(1,327)¼ 9.03; p < .01) and helpless (F(1,327)¼ 4.05; p < .05) concerning
sexual activity, than women without sexual pain.
Conclusion: Data suggest that GPPD have a negative influence on women’s
sexuality. Therefore, this study suggests the need of psychosexual counselling
during the medical treatment of the disease, in order to achieve a good
sexuality. In this sense, we consider that GPPD evaluation and treatment are
performed through a comprehensive somato-psychological multimodal
approach.
Policy of full disclosure: None
Research Interests:
Introduction & objectives: Many studies addressing sexual drive and hypersexuality stated that homosexuals are used to report higher levels of sexual desire and compulsive sexual behaviors. Literature showed a lack of comparisons... more
Introduction & objectives: Many studies addressing sexual drive and hypersexuality
stated that homosexuals are used to report higher levels of sexual desire and compulsive
sexual behaviors. Literature showed a lack of comparisons between perceived level of
desire in hetero and gay population. This study aims to analyze some variables which
could predict levels of sexual desire in both heterosexual and homosexual men such as
sexual satisfaction, distress, sexism and dysfunctional sexual beliefs.
Population sample: 312 male subjects (239 heterosexuals and 73 homosexuals) were
recruited on internet. The average age was 31.95 (SD ¼ 9.62), ranged between 18 and
72 years.
Method(s): A self-administered online survey was available from March 2015 to April
2016. It was composed of 13 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial elements
involved in sexual response: IIEF, SSS-M, SDS-M, ASI, and SDBQ.
Results: No significant difference was found between sexual orientation and self-reported
level of sexual desire. Independently from their orientation, subjects with high
level of desire reported less distress (F(2,287)¼3.11, p<.05) and more satisfaction with
their sex life (F(2,287)¼9.54, p<.001). Gay reported lower levels of sexism and
dysfunctional sexual beliefs, especially to stereotypical beliefs about male
(F(1,283)¼15.72, p<.001). Dysfunctional sexual beliefs predicted lower desire level on
heterosexual men, but not on homosexuals.
Conclusion & recommendations: This study highlighted how sexual orientation
had no direct effect on sexual desire level. Differences between heterosexuals and
homosexuals, if any, should be search in frequency of sexual activity, easier accessibility
to sex, meaning of sex for male and gay identities, and the secondary benefit which sex
could lead to (physical contact, pleasure, temporary filling of “emptiness” feelings,
sense of belonging to a minority) more than directly to sexual desire level. Moreover,
homosexual people reported to be more free from some stereotypes which, in heterosexuals,
are strictly connected with sexual dysfunctions.
Keywords: sexual desire, homosexuality, stereotypes
Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement: None.
stated that homosexuals are used to report higher levels of sexual desire and compulsive
sexual behaviors. Literature showed a lack of comparisons between perceived level of
desire in hetero and gay population. This study aims to analyze some variables which
could predict levels of sexual desire in both heterosexual and homosexual men such as
sexual satisfaction, distress, sexism and dysfunctional sexual beliefs.
Population sample: 312 male subjects (239 heterosexuals and 73 homosexuals) were
recruited on internet. The average age was 31.95 (SD ¼ 9.62), ranged between 18 and
72 years.
Method(s): A self-administered online survey was available from March 2015 to April
2016. It was composed of 13 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial elements
involved in sexual response: IIEF, SSS-M, SDS-M, ASI, and SDBQ.
Results: No significant difference was found between sexual orientation and self-reported
level of sexual desire. Independently from their orientation, subjects with high
level of desire reported less distress (F(2,287)¼3.11, p<.05) and more satisfaction with
their sex life (F(2,287)¼9.54, p<.001). Gay reported lower levels of sexism and
dysfunctional sexual beliefs, especially to stereotypical beliefs about male
(F(1,283)¼15.72, p<.001). Dysfunctional sexual beliefs predicted lower desire level on
heterosexual men, but not on homosexuals.
Conclusion & recommendations: This study highlighted how sexual orientation
had no direct effect on sexual desire level. Differences between heterosexuals and
homosexuals, if any, should be search in frequency of sexual activity, easier accessibility
to sex, meaning of sex for male and gay identities, and the secondary benefit which sex
could lead to (physical contact, pleasure, temporary filling of “emptiness” feelings,
sense of belonging to a minority) more than directly to sexual desire level. Moreover,
homosexual people reported to be more free from some stereotypes which, in heterosexuals,
are strictly connected with sexual dysfunctions.
Keywords: sexual desire, homosexuality, stereotypes
Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement: None.
Research Interests:
Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and quality of life... more
Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial
aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has
been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and
quality of life of affected 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.
Methods: Data were collected on 377 women (131 with sexual pain in
the last 6 months and 246 without sexual pain), aged between 18 and 59
(M ¼ 29.23; SD ¼ 8.10). Participants completed: a socio-demographic
questionnaire, FSFI, FSDS, SSS-W, SMQ-W, SDBQ-W, QCSASC-W and
McGill Pain Questionnaire. Participants were recruited through snowballs
technique.
Results: Women with sexual pain totalized worse scores in: sexual
functioning (F(1,333)¼ 23.35; p < .001) and sexual satisfaction (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .05). They obtained higher scores in personal distress (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .01) compared to controls. Moreover, they reported a higher
frequency of: failure/disengagement (F(1,324)¼ 9.85; p < .01) and low self
body image (F(1,324)¼ 5.49; p < .05) thoughts, feelings of guilt (F(1,329)¼
4.27; p < .05), incompetence (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .01), difference/loneliness
(F(1,327)¼ 9.03; p < .01) and helpless (F(1,327)¼ 4.05; p < .05) concerning
sexual activity, than women without sexual pain.
Conclusion: Data suggest that GPPD have a negative influence on women’s
sexuality. Therefore, this study suggests the need of psychosexual counselling
during the medical treatment of the disease, in order to achieve a good
sexuality. In this sense, we consider that GPPD evaluation and treatment are
performed through a comprehensive somato-psychological multimodal
approach.
Policy of full disclosure: None
aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has
been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and
quality of life of affected 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.
Methods: Data were collected on 377 women (131 with sexual pain in
the last 6 months and 246 without sexual pain), aged between 18 and 59
(M ¼ 29.23; SD ¼ 8.10). Participants completed: a socio-demographic
questionnaire, FSFI, FSDS, SSS-W, SMQ-W, SDBQ-W, QCSASC-W and
McGill Pain Questionnaire. Participants were recruited through snowballs
technique.
Results: Women with sexual pain totalized worse scores in: sexual
functioning (F(1,333)¼ 23.35; p < .001) and sexual satisfaction (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .05). They obtained higher scores in personal distress (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .01) compared to controls. Moreover, they reported a higher
frequency of: failure/disengagement (F(1,324)¼ 9.85; p < .01) and low self
body image (F(1,324)¼ 5.49; p < .05) thoughts, feelings of guilt (F(1,329)¼
4.27; p < .05), incompetence (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .01), difference/loneliness
(F(1,327)¼ 9.03; p < .01) and helpless (F(1,327)¼ 4.05; p < .05) concerning
sexual activity, than women without sexual pain.
Conclusion: Data suggest that GPPD have a negative influence on women’s
sexuality. Therefore, this study suggests the need of psychosexual counselling
during the medical treatment of the disease, in order to achieve a good
sexuality. In this sense, we consider that GPPD evaluation and treatment are
performed through a comprehensive somato-psychological multimodal
approach.
Policy of full disclosure: None