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Beyond dysfunction: a new view of women's sexual problems
Leonore Tiefer1, Marny Hall, Carol Tavris
1Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA. LTiefer@mindspring.com
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy
|March 20, 2002
Summary
A feminist framework redefines women's sexual problems, critiquing current classifications and proposing a new, women-centered definition and four causal categories for professionals and the public.
Area of Science:
- Feminist theory
- Sociology of health
- Women's health
Background:
- Critiques the existing American Psychiatric Association nomenclature for women's sexual problems.
- Highlights the significance of international sexual rights documents.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a new theoretical framework and classification system for women's sexual problems.
- Establish a women-centered definition of sexual problems.
- Identify key causal factors contributing to women's sexual dissatisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Feminist clinical and social science perspectives.
- Analysis of existing diagnostic nomenclature.
- Review of international sexual rights documents.
- Development of a women-centered definition and categorization of sexual problems.
Main Results:
- Presents a women-centered definition: "discontent of dissatisfaction with any emotional, physical, or relational aspect of sexual experience."
- Categorizes causes into: sociocultural, political, or economic factors; partner and relationship factors; psychological factors; and medical factors.
Conclusions:
- The new framework offers a more holistic and empowering approach to understanding women's sexual health.
- The classification system provides a nuanced tool for professionals and the public to address sexual problems.
- Emphasizes the multifactorial nature of women's sexual health issues.