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



Abdolmanafi A1 ; Owens RG2 ; Winter S1 ; Jahromi RG3 ; Peixoto MM4 ; Nobre P5
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
  2. 2. School of Psychology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
  3. 3. Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviour, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Psychotherapy and Psychopathology Research Unit, Research Center on Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
  5. 5. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, CPUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

Source: Journal of Sexual Medicine Published:2016


Abstract

Introduction Recent 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. Aim To test a cognitive-emotional model of sexual dissatisfaction in women. Methods In total, 207 women answered questionnaires assessing sexual dissatisfaction and cognitive and emotional variables that might affect sexual dissatisfaction. Main Outcome Measures Sexual 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. Results A 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. Conclusion This finding suggests a role for cognitive and emotional factors in predisposing and maintaining sexual dissatisfaction in women, suggesting relevant implications for intervention. © 2016