Perfectionism, Worry, and Cognitive Distraction's Role in Sexual Distress and Pleasure: Insights from a
Patrícia M Pascoal1,2,3,4, Rui Ferreira Carvalho4,5, Andreia A Manão1
1HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal.
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Perfectionism is linked to sexual distress and lower sexual pleasure through worry and cognitive distraction. Targeting these cognitive processes may improve sexual well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexual Health
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Perfectionism is a personality trait associated with various psychological issues.
- Sexual distress and pleasure are crucial components of overall well-being.
- Cognitive processes like worry and distraction play a role in emotional and sexual functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating roles of worry and cognitive distraction in the relationship between perfectionism and sexual outcomes.
- To examine how perfectionistic concerns relate to sexual distress and sexual pleasure.
- To test a mediation model within a large online sample.
Main Methods:
- A large online community sample (N=902) participated.
- A theoretically driven mediation model was tested.
- Statistical analyses controlled for gender identity and sexual orientation.
Main Results:
- Perfectionistic evaluative concerns were indirectly associated with increased sexual distress via worry and cognitive distraction.
- These mediators were specifically linked to body appearance and performance concerns.
- Smaller indirect effects were found for sexual pleasure.
Conclusions:
- Maladaptive cognitive processes, such as worry and distraction, are key links between perfectionism and sexual outcomes.
- Findings support transdiagnostic frameworks for understanding sexual distress and pleasure.
- Interventions targeting transdiagnostic cognitive mechanisms may be beneficial for sexual health.
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