Experiencing vaginismus–sufferers beliefs about causes and effects |
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| Authors: | Elaine Ward Jane Ogden |
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| Institution: | 1. Institute of Psychiatry, London University , London , United Kingdom;2. Department of General Practice , UMDS , London , United Kingdom |
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| Abstract: | The present study examined the experience of vaginismus in 89 sufferers and ex-sufferers using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The results provide insights into the effects of vaginismus on the sufferers' self perception and on their relationships with important others. It is suggested that vaginismus should not be regarded as a psychosexual problem but as a psychosocial experience in which defences have been created to protect the self, and that the vaginal spasm is only one of the many effects of this defence. |
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| Keywords: | individual therapy sexual psychology existential therapy critical psychology diagnosis |
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