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Conceptualizing women's sexual function: linear vs. circular models of sexual response
Katie R Giles1, Marita P McCabe
1School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic. 3125, Australia.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|August 19, 2009
Summary
A modified circular model better represents female sexual response in women with sexual dysfunction compared to a linear model. Sexual desire mediates arousal and orgasm for women with FSD.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Empirical data for female sexual response models is lacking in the female sexual dysfunction (FSD) literature.
- Existing models of female sexual response require further validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare linear and circular models of sexual response in women with and without FSD.
- To assess how well these models represent women's sexual function.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous online survey was completed by 404 women.
- The Female Sexual Function Index and additional items assessed sexual function and model endorsement.
- Women's sexual response and associated etiological factors were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The linear model fit well for women with and without FSD, but desire mediated arousal-orgasm in FSD.
- The initial circular model showed poor fit for both groups.
- A modified circular model adequately represented sexual response for all women, with stronger variable relationships in FSD.
Conclusions:
- The linear model was more accurate for women without FSD.
- Sexual desire mediated arousal and orgasm for women with FSD.
- The modified circular model better represented sexual response in women with FSD.
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