The Nature and Origin of Sexual Difficulties

1
The Nature and Origin of Sexual Difficulties

• Chapter 15
• Lecture 18
• Psyc 1633

2
Types of Sexual Dysfunctions

• Sexual desire disorders - person experiences a
  lack of sexual desire or an aversion to genital
  sexual contact.
• Sexual arousal disorders - Difficulty in the
  arousal phase of sexual response.
• Orgasmic disorders - Difficulty in the orgasmic
  phase of sexual response.
• Sexual pain disorders - Pain upon intercourse, or
  difficulty with intromission because of pain.

3
Further Classifications

• lifelong vs. acquired
• lifelong dysfunctions have been a problem
  throughout the lifespan
• acquired dysfunctions have developed after a
  normal period of functioning
• generalized vs. situational
• generalized - affect all aspects of functioning
  regardless of situation
• situational - affect functioning only in certain
  situations

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Activity - Understanding Classifications

• Classify as problems with desire, arousal,
  orgasm, or pain
• Classify as lifelong or acquired
• Classify as generalized or situational
• Garrett
• Cassie
• Brenda

5

• Organic factors - physiological difficulties
  caused by physical problems
• Cultural influences - psychosocial difficulties
• Individual factors - personal issues that we
  bring to our sexual relationships
• Relationship factors - factors that develop
  between members of a couple that can affect
  sexual expression

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In Class Journal 4

• Create a case history of a person with a sexual
  disorder. Describe the situation well enough so
  that you could determine which type of disorder
  it is, and whether it is generalized/situational
  or lifelong/acquired. Discuss which labels you
  would give this person, and list at least one
  factor that could lead to this type of problem.
• Also, on a separate piece of paper, ask one
  ANONYMOUS question about sexual disorders /
  therapy that you'd like to have answered in the
  next few classes.

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Sexual Desire Disorders
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Desire Disorders

• Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSD)
• lack of interest in sexual activity
• usually temporary
• often due to relationship problems, possibly past
  abuse, or internalized negative attitudes about
  sex
• Dissatisfaction with frequency
• Differing levels of desire for each member of a
  couple causes polarization - one feels deprived,
  the other feels pressured.

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Desire Disorders 2

• Sexual aversion disorder (SAD)
• extreme, irrational fear of sexual activity
• often due to sexual abuse or assault

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Sexual Arousal Disorders
11
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

• inhibited lubrication
• often due to apathy, anger, fear, or low estrogen
  levels
• noncoital activities may increase lubrication
• use of water soluble jelly helps

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For Next Class

• We will review exams and class evaluations
• Read chapter 16 (may cover if time)