Gender differences in the content of cognitive distraction during sex

Journal of Sex Research, Feb, 2006 by Marta Meana, Sarah E. Nunnink

We also utilized a convenience sample of mostly college freshmen and, therefore, results may not generalize to the broader population. The relatively low levels of both distraction and sexual problems reported by our sample speak to their youth, health, and sexual inexperience. Older samples, as well as men and women who are clinically diagnosed with sexual dysfunction, may be experiencing appearance- and performance-based distraction at much higher levels than a relatively healthy college population. Distraction in an older sample may also be related to different factors than it is in college students.

Attempts to understand the potential sources of distraction during sex may be fruitful in the refinement of cognitive-behavioral treatment for sexual problems. Both appearance concerns and performance demands appear to be on the minds of men and women when they have sex Current performance-focused therapy techniques and sensate focus may not account for the role of a detrimental type of self-focus (Wiederman, 2001). Some researchers have called for treatment to encompass a cognitive component (e.g., Sbrocco & Barlow, 1996), rather than to focus solely on the traditional belief that anxiety reduction (i.e., performance-concern reduction) is central to all sexual dysfunction. Changing negative beliefs about sexuality and one's own desirability may be more relevant to some individuals.

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