Causes of Sexual Anxiety among US Southern Black Women

Research on sexual anxiety has primarily focused on sexual performance anxiety among White male samples. A more in-depth investigation of the multiple causes of sexual anxiety needs to be explored to expand the focus beyond sexual performance and account for various sociocultural factors that may increase the risk of sexual anxiety among marginalized groups. The purpose of this study was to explore the precedents of sexual anxiety among n=184 Black cisgender women living in the Southern United States. Participants were recruited in 2020 to complete an online Qualtrics survey and answer the open-ended question, "What makes you feel anxious during sexual experiences?". Only those who reported that they experienced sexual anxiety in their lifetime were asked this question. Data was analyzed using an inductive structural tabular thematic analysis approach. There were a total of 10 themes: 1) pressure to meet societal expectations, 2) psychological barriers, 3) partner unfamiliarity, 4) oppressive body standards, 5) sexual violence, 6) anticipation, 7) relationship factors, 8) general insecurities and judgment, 9) cultural factors and 10) fear of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Implications for therapists and counselors are discussed.