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Cognitive distraction and women's sexual functioning.

N L Dove¹, M W Wiederman

¹Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA.

Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy

|February 29, 2000

Summary

Cognitive distraction during sex is linked to lower sexual esteem, satisfaction, and orgasm consistency in women. This mental distraction also increases the likelihood of faking orgasm, impacting sexual health.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Human Sexuality
Cognitive Science

Background:

Previous research on cognitive distraction and sexual dysfunction primarily involved males in lab settings.
Limited research exists on cognitive distraction's impact on female sexual experiences in real-world contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between cognitive distraction during partnered sexual activity and various aspects of sexuality in young adult women.
To explore how cognitive distraction affects sexual esteem, satisfaction, orgasm consistency, and orgasm pretense.

Main Methods:

A study involving 74 young adult women with coital experience.
Participants completed questionnaires assessing cognitive distraction during sexual activity and broader sexual functioning.

Main Results:

Higher reported cognitive distraction correlated with lower sexual esteem.
Increased cognitive distraction was associated with reduced sexual satisfaction and less consistent orgasms.
Women reporting greater cognitive distraction were more likely to pretend orgasm, even after controlling for other factors.

Conclusions:

Cognitive distraction during partnered sex is a significant factor associated with negative sexual outcomes in women.
Findings suggest a need for therapeutic interventions addressing cognitive distraction in female sexual dysfunction.
Future research should further explore the mechanisms linking cognitive distraction to sexual difficulties in women.

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