Not all fakes are created equal: examining the relationships between men's motives for pretending orgasm and levels of sexual desire,and relationship and sexual satisfaction

Limited research on feigning orgasm, particularly among men, exists, and even less investigates motivations for doing so. Further, whether feigning orgasm, and motivations for feigning orgasm, is associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction and sexual desire is unknown. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine these relationships in a sample of 230 men (18–29 years old) having pretended orgasm with their current relationship partner at least once. Participants were recruited on Amazon Mechanical Turk. On average, participants reported feigning orgasm in approximately one-fourth of sexual encounters in their current sexual relationship, most commonly during vaginal sex. Feigning orgasm for reasons related to a poor sexual experience or to poor partner choice was the strongest predictor; associated with lower levels of desire and sexual and relationship satisfaction. Feigning orgasm to support a partner's emotional well-being was associated with higher levels of desire. Feigning orgasm because one was intoxicated, having undesired sex, or out of a desire to improve the quality of the sexual encounter was associated with higher levels of sexual satisfaction (though these variables accounted for little variance). This research indicates men do feign orgasm, and motivations for doing so are associated with sexual and relational outcomes.     

Pre-arousal aversive clitoral sensitivity during sexual relations: exploratory research consisting of the first case report and correlates from an anonymous survey

As illustrated by the case reported here, pre-arousal aversive clitoral sensitivity (PACS) is characterized by a sensation that is too strong to be pleasant prior to physiological sexual arousal but that becomes intensely pleasurable after sexual arousal is achieved. Using a self-administered computerized questionnaire, participants with PACS (18.5% of the 763 participants) turned in scores that were significantly more problematic on sexual satisfaction, sexual communication, depression and 5-item PACS scales than the majority of participants. Those with PACS were more likely to avoid sex, less likely to reach orgasm with their partners and less likely to have ever reached orgasm in response to manual stimulation of their genitals or cunnilingus. This is the first case report and the first research report on PACS. More research will be required to determine: (1) incidence and etiology of PACS, (2) whether to classify PACS as an abnormality or a variant of normal and (3) the most effective ways to help those with PACS.     

A response to Brody,Costa and Hess (2012): theoretical,statistical and construct problems perpetuated in the study of female orgasm

A string of publications by Brody and colleagues purport to identify health implications in women who report reaching orgasm from vaginal/partnered versus clitoral/solo stimulation. Brody, Costa and Hess (2012) responded to a number of critiques of this line of research, including one by this author (Prause, 2011). Brody, Costa and Hess (2012) elected not to address two of the most critical problems raised: (1) a lack of any theoretical foundation and (2) the absence of psychometric support for their primary measurement. Rebuts are provided for the issues addressed. Also, new data are presented: (1) demonstrating the inadequacy of their methods, (2) falsifying of the vaginal-is-always-optimal prediction, (3) failing to replicate previous reports by Brody and colleagues and (4) documenting confounds of Brody and colleagues measures. Approaches for researchers interested in testing a vaginal-is-always-optimal prediction are suggested in an effort to raise the standards of the science in this area of study.     

Sexual desire and satisfaction: The balance between individual and couple factors

The new mantra for couple sexuality is desire, pleasure, eroticism, and satisfaction. This clinical/conceptual commentary examines individual and couple factors that can facilitate or subvert desire and satisfaction. Eight challenging clinical situations are described, some of which can be successfully resolved, whereas others can indicate a fatally flawed relationship. Conceptually, clinically, and empirically, sexual desire and satisfaction requires careful examination, assessment, and interventions with special attention to cultural and value issues.     

Sexual satisfaction in a heterosexual and homosexual Spanish sample: the role of socio-demographic characteristics,health indicators,and relational factors

The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between (1) sexual satisfaction and (2) socio-demographic variables, health status, and relational factors in Spanish men and women. Using a quota sampling method, we assessed 2024 subjects aged between 18 and 80 years old with a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, the Global Measure of Relationship Satisfaction, the Short Form-36 Health Survey, and the Symptom Assessment-45 Questionnaire. Regarding the results, no significant differences in sexual satisfaction were found according to gender or sexual orientation. At the bivariate level, sexual satisfaction was negatively correlated with age, low education level, psychopathological symptoms, and length of relationship, and positively correlated with better physical health and relationship satisfaction. In heterosexual individuals, 55% of the variance in sexual satisfaction was predicted by vitality, depression, relationship satisfaction, length of relationship, and type of relationship. In homosexual individuals, bodily pain and relationship satisfaction predicted 44% of the variance in sexual satisfaction. Finally, the impact of health and relational variables on the sexual well-being of adults in the context of sex therapy is discussed.     

Marital stability,satisfaction and well-being in old age: variability and continuity in long-term continuously married older persons

Objectives: Recent research shows that the well-documented positive effects of marital stability on well-being and health outcomes are conditional upon the quality of marriage.

To date, few studies have explored the relationship between marital satisfaction, well-being and health among very long-term married individuals. This study aims at identifying groups of long-term married persons with respect to marital satisfaction and comparing them longitudinally concerning their well-being outcomes, marital stressors, personality and socio-demographic variables.

Method: Data are derived from a survey (data collection 2012 and 2014) with 374 continuously married individuals at wave 1 (mean age: 74.2 years, length of marriage: 49.2 years) and 252 at wave 2. Cluster analyses were performed comparing the clusters with regard to various well-being outcomes. The predictive power of cluster affiliation and various predictors at wave 1 on well-being outcomes at wave 2 was tested using regression analyses.

Results: Two groups were identified, one happily the other unhappily married, with the happily married scoring higher on all well-being and health outcomes. Regression analyses revealed that group affiliation at wave 1 was not any longer predictive of health, emotional loneliness and hopelessness two years later, when taking into account socio-demographic variables, psychological resilience and marital strain, whereas it remained an important predictor of life satisfaction and social loneliness.

Conclusion: Marital satisfaction is associated with health and well-being in older couples over time, whereas psychological resilience and marital strain are major predictors explaining the variance of these outcomes.     

Compatibility quotient,and its relationship with marital satisfaction and personality traits in Italian married couples

The increasing numbers of divorces and separations in Italy has focused the attention of many researchers on the necessity to develop psychological instruments to measure the probability that a couple will end their marriage. Wilson's compatibility quotient (CQ) is considered a valid test for measuring risk of divorcing in married couples. The test measures the level of compatibility or similarity between partners. One hundred and eighty-four Italian married heterosexual couples were administered the CQ, the Locke--Wallace Marital Adjustment Test measuring marital satisfaction and the Big Five Questionnaire. Couples with high compatibility scores have higher level of marital satisfaction and partner's attractiveness. Energy, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability Openness and Agreeableness were also related to couple compatibility. Therefore, Wilson's CQ could represent a suitable tool for measuring divorce risk in married couples.     

Sexual behaviour in a centre for epilepsy

The sexual behaviour and hormonal profiles in 97 patients with chronic epilepsy from an epilepsy centre were studied. Sexual behaviour relating to numbers of sexual contacts, orgasms, spontaneous erections, and early morning erections, whether there was difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an erection, or in ejaculation, was assessed at interview. Hormonal profiles consisted of LH, FSH, prolactin, total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG. Information was obtained relating to type of seizure, seizure frequency, age of onset, likely pathology, IQ, and medication. The study showed that this patient group was profoundly hyposexual and had a high level of sexual dysfunction. Serum free testosterone levels were low, and it is suggested that the high level of sexual dysfunction and lack of sexual interest may well have a hormonal basis. The reasons for this are discussed.     

Zen and the art of sex: examining associations among mindfulness,sexual satisfaction,and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships

The purpose of the present study was to examine the links among the five facets of trait mindfulness, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships. Three hundred and twenty-two individuals in a current dating relationship completed measures of trait mindfulness, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Results of path analyses indicated that sexual satisfaction fully mediated the associations between the Observing (PE = .08, CI = [.02, .15]) and Nonjudging of Inner Experience (PE = .11, CI = [.03, .19]) facets of mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. In contrast, the three remaining facets of mindfulness (Describing, Acting with Awareness, and Nonreactivity to Inner Experience) were not related to sexual satisfaction or relationship satisfaction. These results suggest that attending to and noticing (but refraining from evaluating) internal and external stimuli may contribute to greater relationship satisfaction specifically by increasing sexual satisfaction with one's partner. Furthermore, findings from the current study provide empirical support for the link between mindfulness and sexual satisfaction in dating relationships and suggest that they may jointly contribute to relationship satisfaction, thus indicating an important area for future research and suggesting a potential target for relationship education and intervention efforts.     

Female genital mutilation: Cultural and psychological implications

Problem Solving Skills (PSS) deficits have been reported to be one of the main presenting problems in maladjusted couples, and to constitute one of the important differences between them and happy couples. Videorecordings of PSS of 10 happy and 10 unhappy couples were compared employing the KPI (Kategoriensystem fuer Partnerschaftliche Interaktion Hahlweg & Jacobson, 1984) coding system to analyze verbal and non-verbal communication. The sample was chosen at random from all couples who sought treatment, either for a sexual or marital problem, from a Spanish Family Planning clinic and covered criteria to be elegible: DAS (Spanier, 1976) score, number of years married (>2 yrs).

They all discussed meaningful problems for the couple, and our analysis revealed that, although there exist important differences, particularly in on-verbal communication, sequences followed through the discussion and reciprocity of affect, these differences are less marked than what has been published so far. They were minimal between unhappy couples who eventually separated and those who, in spite of acknowledging relationship problems, remained together 3 years after having completed the recording of PSS task.

It is argued that perhaps we are presenting a far too idealistic goal to couples under PSS training, and that other aspects of the relationship, such as the wearing off of attraction, should be investigated further.     

The relationship between male sexual dysfunction and belief in zilbergeld' s myths: An empirical investigation

This study examined the relationship between belief in the myths described by Zilbergeld and sexual dysfunction in males. A group of men seeking treatment for sexual problems were compared with a group of non-dysfunctional men, with regard to their belief in these myths. As predicted, the results showed significantly greater belief in the myths among the dysfunctional group.     

Gender Differences in Diagnostic Remission of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Proportions and Correlates of Remission in a Nationally Representative U.S. Sample

Psychiatric Quarterly - This study examines differences in a nationally representative sample, in proportions of men and women with lifetime diagnoses of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who...     

Life satisfaction and adjustment in lithium-treated affective patients in remission

The aim of this study was to assess life satisfaction and adjustment of lithium-treated affective patients in remission. Scores of life satisfaction and adjustment in four areas were obtained for two experimental groups of 50 unipolars and 50 bipolars and for two control groups of 50 healthy individuals and 50 patients with personality disorders. Subjects' self-assessments and psychiatrists' evaluation were rated using a modification of Cantril's ladder device. No significant differences were found between affective patients and healthy controls regarding life satisfaction and adjustment, whereas psychiatric controls scored significantly less on most indices. Moreover, the treating psychiatrists rated affective patients significantly higher than psychiatric controls and perceived them as actualizing their potential to a greater degree. Thus, it is concluded that neither the affective illness nor lithium as a prophylactic agent interfered with the patients' feelings of satisfaction or with manifest functioning while in remission.     

Intimacy in the Midst of Caregiving: Examining Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction of Parents Raising Children with Special Needs

The present study examined relationship and sexual satisfaction of parents of children with special needs. The impact of role differentiation, coping styles, and sexual desire on relationship and sexual satisfaction were measured, as well as the link between relationship and sexual satisfaction of parents (N = 62). Results from the study indicate that several dimensions were significantly correlated with both sexual (e.g., reframing coping strategies and sexual desire) and relationship (e.g., emotional reactivity, reframing coping strategies) satisfaction. Evidence from this study suggests that therapists should be attentive and sensitive to particular issues to help parents of children with special needs improve their relationship and sexual satisfaction.     

Effectiveness of Group Resiliency Training on Anxiety,Depression, and Marital Satisfaction in Mothers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Many studies have been reported that higher levels of depression and anxiety in parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of group resiliency training on anxiety, depression, and marital satisfaction in mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This study was an experimental, pretest—post-test study with control group. Participants included 54 mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mothers were randomly divided to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 8 group resiliency training sessions and then compared in changes in Beck depression and anxiety scale and the Enrich marital satisfaction scale. Results of multivariate analysis of covariance showed significant change in depression, anxiety, and marital satisfaction. Our study indicates that resiliency training can be considered as one the effective intervention for anxiety, depression, and marital satisfaction in these mothers.     

Toward a more comprehensive assessment of depression remission: the Remission Evaluation and Mood Inventory Tool (REMIT)

Objective

Depression remission continues to be defined in terms of resolution of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria symptoms. However, it may be useful to assess additional symptoms as part of a more complete evaluation of remission. We sought to develop an adjunct self-report measure that can be used with commonly used depression measures when assessing remission.

Methods

Secondary data analysis and expert input were used to develop candidate items that were evaluated cross-sectionally in 1003 primary care clinician-identified depressed patients from two practice-based research networks. Multivariable regression analysis, with self-assessed recovery as the dependent variable, identified five symptoms that contributed significantly beyond the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-8. Further analysis was performed in selected subsamples.

Results

Emotional control, contentedness, future seeming dark, ability to bounce back and happiness yielded an 11% increase in R² beyond 60% yielded by the PHQ-8. The summed Remission Evaluation and Mood Inventory Tool (REMIT) 5 items have a mean=9.6 (S.D.=4.5), range 0-20 and reliability of 0.86. Subsample analysis showed incremental R² ranging from 9% in men to 15% in African-Americans.

Conclusion

Depression remission is a multidimensional concept that includes important nondepressive symptom dimensions. These important dimensions can be measured using a self-report instrument feasible for routine primary care. Pending longitudinal validation, REMIT5 is a promising tool for depression management.     

Dyadic adjustment,sexuality and psychological distress in older couples

The following study gives results on the association between psychological distress and sexual and marital aspects from the Quebec Health Survey of Older Couples (Enquête sur la santé des aînés au Québec/Volet Couple). In this study, 508 francophone couples (508 women, 508 men), aged 65 years old and over, answered several questionnaires about psychological distress (e.g. Psychological Distress Index) and marital (e.g. Dyadic adjustment scale) and sexual aspects of their life (e.g. Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory, International Index of Erectile Function, Female Sexual Function Index). Participants answered general questions at home in the presence of an interviewer and they answered to specific questionnaires about their sexuality and marital life on a computer to ensure confidentiality. Results indicate that dyadic adjustment, sexual satisfaction and gender predict psychological distress and explain 14.2% of the variance of psychological distress among older couples. The same predictor variables were found in men and women considered separately. Moreover, participants with low marital functioning show more than twice as much psychological distress and poorer sexual functioning.     

Life satisfaction and perceived stress among young offenders in a residential therapeutic community: Latent change score analysis

Recent rehabilitation frameworks underscore the importance of strength-based interventions for young offenders who may lack internal and external resources to manage their stress and plan for their life. This multi-wave longitudinal study investigated the dynamic relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction among a group of young ex-offenders in a residential therapeutic community. Four waves of data were collected from 117 Hong Kong youths (24.0% female, mean age = 17.7) over one year. Latent change score analysis was employed to examine the univairate and bivariate changes of their perceived stress and life satisfaction. Results suggest a positive growth trajectory in life satisfaction over time. The results of perceived stress were less conclusive. Bivariate models indicated that the previous level of life satisfaction was negatively linked to the subsequent perceived stress level but not vice versa. The findings suggest that improvement in life satisfaction may reduce perceived stress in young ex-offenders.     

Consultation frequency and perceived consultation time in a Japanese psychiatric clinic: their relationship with patient consultation satisfaction and depression and anxiety

Aim:  To examine the relationship of the consultation frequency and the perceived consultation time of psychiatric clinic attenders with their satisfaction towards the consultation and depression and anxiety (measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).
Methods:  Questionnaires were distributed to 186 outpatients attending a psychiatric clinic.
Results:  In a path analytic model, a longer session with shorter interval ('dense' session) predicted lowered depression and anxiety level of the patientsthrough the perceived satisfaction of the patients, and it was also predicted by the higher anxiety level. The dense session was also influenced by shorter duration of clinic attendance.
Conclusion:  Dense psychiatric sessions in busy Japanese outpatient clinics may benefit patients.