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Assessing Cognitive Appraisals Related to Sexual Function: A Scenario-Based Approach
Julia Velten1, Simon E Blackwell2, Jürgen Margraf2
1Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany. julia.velten@rub.de.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|February 23, 2019
Summary
Individuals with low sexual function interpret ambiguous sexual scenarios more negatively, showing increased references to sexual problems. This cognitive bias may contribute to sexual difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexuality Studies
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Cognitive factors are crucial in the development and persistence of sexual difficulties.
- Current research often uses self-report measures for negative sexual cognitions, which have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel scenario-based method for assessing cognitive biases in sexual function.
- To investigate the association between cognitive appraisal of ambiguous sexual scenarios and objective measures of sexual function.
Main Methods:
- Developed open-ended, ambiguous sexual scenarios presented to 600 participants.
- Participants generated scenario endings, rated scenario valence, and endings were coded for sexual problems, communication, and explicit language.
- Assessed sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index and International Index of Erectile Function; employed multiple regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Lower sexual function correlated with more negative scenario ratings and increased references to sexual problems in scenario endings.
- Women with low sexual function produced fewer endings involving partner communication or sexually explicit language.
- The scenario-based task predicted sexual function beyond other factors like sexual distress.
Conclusions:
- Individuals experiencing sexual difficulties exhibit a negative appraisal bias towards ambiguous sexual situations.
- This cognitive bias may play a role in the maintenance of sexual dysfunction.
- Future research should explore experimental manipulation of these biases and their impact on sexual function improvement.
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