Treatment acceptability of alternative sex therapies: a comparative analysis

Eighty female subjects rated therapy descriptions of a case involving the treatment of inhibited female orgasm in group and individual formats. Half of the treatment descriptions described the patient's husband participating in some of the homework exercises. After each treatment description, subjects completed a series of treatment acceptability ratings (Treatment Evaluation Inventory, Semantic Differential, Credibility Rating Scale) designed to evaluate the alternative treatment dimensions. A case history of primary anorgasmia, representative of actual clients and problems typically seen in sex therapy clinics, was presented to subjects via written material and audiotape players. A clear preference for individual format over group format was consistently found in credibility and acceptability ratings. Inclusion of the identified patient's partner in therapy was not a salient factor in acceptability ratings for the female subjects. Implications of this research paradigm are discussed in light of the current state of the art in sex therapy, and future research needs are identified.