Perceived Prevalence and Definitions of Sexual Dysfunction as Predictors of Sexual Function and Satisfaction

• Published in: The Journal of sex research Vol. 50; no. 5; pp. 502 - 512
• Main Authors: Chang, Sabrina C. H., Klein, Carolin, Gorzalka, Boris B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis Group 01.07.2013; Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
• Subjects: Adult; College students; Female; Gender differences; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Men; Perceptions; Personal Satisfaction; Prevalence; Sex Factors; Sexual behavior; Sexual Behavior - psychology; Sexual beliefs; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - psychology; Sexual functioning; Undergraduate students; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0022-4499; 1559-8519
• DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2012.661488

Evidence for the influence of sexual beliefs on sexual functioning and satisfaction has mainly emanated from clinical lore. Empirical investigations on this topic remain sparse. This study investigated whether beliefs regarding prevalence and definitions of male and female sexual dysfunctions predicted sexual function and satisfaction in a sample of 131 undergraduate students. Results indicated that higher perceived prevalence of male and female sexual dysfunctions was predictive of lower sexual functioning and poorer sexual satisfaction in women. For the male participants, none of the examined sexual beliefs emerged as significant predictors of their sexual functioning or satisfaction. Surprisingly, it was also found that participants estimated the prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions to be higher than male sexual dysfunctions, while defining male sexual dysfunctions more broadly than female sexual dysfunctions. Possible mechanisms for the findings are provided.