Predicting Sexual Aversion, Low Sexual Desire, and Asexuality Using the Dual Control Model

Sexual aversion is defined as extreme aversion to partnered genital sexual contact. Sexual aversion may share features with asexuality (e.g., avoidance of sexual behaviors and sexual disgust), but the former provokes distress whereas the latter does not. It may also share symptoms with low sexual desire (avoidance of sexual behaviors and distress), but the link between sexual aversion and reduced sexual desire has not been established. The extent to which sexual aversion overlaps with asexuality and low sexual desire has not been studied. Based on the dual control model, we hypothesized that sexual aversion is distinct because it is accompanied by distress and predicted by heightened sexual inhibition, whereas low desire and non-distressing aversion (as seen in asexuality) are predicted by diminished sexual excitation. A total of 2065 participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing sexual aversion, desire, asexuality, distress, and sexual excitation and inhibition. We used Pearson correlations to test relationships between variables. Multiple regressions evaluated which inhibition and excitation factors predicted sexual aversion, desire, and asexuality. Secondary analyses investigated gender differences. Sexual aversion, asexuality, and low desire were correlated but only the positive correlation of sexual aversion with sexual distress reached moderate strength. Sexual inhibition, particularly inhibitory cognitions, was a significant predictor of sexual aversion. Asexuality was predicted by reduced sexual excitation and weakly by increased sexual inhibition, whereas sexual desire was predicted by high sexual excitation and weakly by reduced sexual inhibition. These results demonstrate that different mechanisms of sexual response predict aversion compared to desire and asexuality. These findings suggest that targeting sexual inhibition, specifically inhibitory cognitions, may be a promising focus for treatment of sexual aversion.