The myth of symptomatic versus asymptomatic partners in the conjoint treatment of sexual dysfunction

Although sex researchers and therapists alike talk about treating "couples," there persists an assumption that "symptomatic" partners vary significantly from "asymptomatic" partners with respect to early background and personality variables. Indeed, these differences have been sometimes viewed as primary causal factors for the couple's presenting state of sexual discord. Data from a short-term intensive treatment program was analyzed to compare factors such as parental-familial background, sexual attitudes and knowledge, and marital histories for individuals diagnosed as symptomatic and their partners who received no specific sexual diagnosis. Results indicated few significant differences between these identified groups. There were also few differences between groups based upon items from a follow-up evaluation, suggesting that the prognostic value of these classifications may likewise be placed in question. In general, the couple's ongoing relationship (rather than individual characteristics) appears responsible for establishing satisfactory levels of sexual intimacy. Suggestions were made toward developing couple-oriented diagnostic and outcome categories.