Another reason that a woman or man experiences sexual dissatisfaction or has sexual prob­lems in a heterosexual relationship can be a desire to be involved with individuals of the same sex (Althof, 2000). Although much progress has been made in establishing gay rights, following one’s homosexual orientation still involves facing significant societal disapproval, if not […]

Without effective verbal and nonverbal communication, couples must base their sexual encounters on assumptions, past experiences, and wishful thinking—all of which can make a sexual experience feel routine and unsatisfying. Research has found that sexual satisfaction is correlated with the use of sexual terms and a greater degree of self­disclosure about sexual preferences (Hess & […]

Besides personal feelings and attitudes, relationship factors strongly influence the sat­isfaction and quality of a sexual relationship. One research study indicated that famil­iarity and security support men’s sexual function because men reported fewer problems with erectile function during sex with an ongoing partner than with a nonrelationship partner (Herbenick et al., 2010). Other studies have […]

The essential conditions for positive sexual interaction—consent, equality, respect, trust, and safety—are absent in sexual abuse. Boys and girls who are sexually abused are robbed of the opportunity to explore and develop their sexuality at their own age-appropriate pace (Maltz, 2003). According to the NHSLS, 12% of men and 17% of women were sex­ually abused […]

The NHSLS found that unhappiness with life correlated with sexual problems. The data did not clarify whether one causes the other, but women and men who were expe­riencing sexual problems were considerably more likely to be unhappy with their lives in general than were respondents without sexual difficulties (Laumann et al., 1999). Emotional intelligence—the ability […]

Suffering for Beauty Brazil’s 4,700 miles of coastline and Brazilian men’s preference for women with large, curvy bottoms have made butt-enhancing cosmetic surgery common in Brazils cities. One of two methods is used: taking fat from the thighs and injecting it into the buttocks or inserting implants to create a fuller rear. In Asia, the […]

The term self-concept refers to the feelings and beliefs we have about ourselves. Our self­concept can influence our relationships and sexuality (Coleman, 2007; Foley, 2003). Research has found that self-esteem and self-confidence correlate with higher sexual satisfaction and lack of sexual problems (Galinsky & Sonenstein, 2011; Higgins et al., 2011). For example, a woman who […]

Beyond the cultural influences on sexual feelings and expression, sexual difficulties can stem from psychological factors that are usually unique to each individual. Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Our knowledge and attitudes about sex have a direct influence on our sexual expres­sion. When difficulties are based on ignorance or misunderstanding, accurate informa­tion can sometimes alleviate sexual […]

s — Af/ara <S*o??(e щуі fs Meftsf Mindies c oaSSiomb in w/baf cU „—— r U — . W Performance anxiety can block natural sexual arousal by diminishing the pleasurable sensations that would produce them. Marty Klein, sex therapist and author of Sexual Intelligence: What We Really Want from Sex and How to Get It, […]

As we have seen repeatedly in this textbook, the notion that sex equals penile-vaginal intercourse can contribute to inadequate stimulation for women and place burdensome and anxiety-provoking expectations on intercourse. For example, research indicates that women are more likely to orgasm when they engage in a variety of sexual behaviors and when oral sex or […]