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Research on self-perceived sexual attractiveness has predominantly focused on the importance of physical appearance, overlooking nonphysical traits that may contribute to these self-perceptions. The present study examined and compared the importance of a variety of traits for self-perceived sexual attractiveness. Self-identified heterosexual, gay, and bisexual men (N = 1,801) and heterosexual, lesbian, and bisexual women (N = 1,092) completed an online questionnaire examining self-perceived sexual attractiveness, body esteem, sexual esteem, adherence to gender norms, and sexual experience. Body esteem and sexual esteem were significant predictors of self-perceived sexual attractiveness, regardless of gender and sexual orientation. Adhering to a masculine gender norm was a significant predictor among all groups (to varying extents) but heterosexual women. Adhering to a feminine gender norm was a significant predictor among heterosexual men and bisexual women. Finally, sexual experience was a significant predictor for all men and bisexual women. Furthermore, while body esteem was a predictor across all groups, for most individuals it did not appear to be of primary importance, with either sexual esteem or masculinity proving to be of greater importance. These findings suggest the need to consider traits related to both physical and nonphysical factors for improving an individual's self-perceived sexual attractiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The current randomized study evaluated an online cognitive behavioral therapy program for female sexual problems. PursuingPleasure (PP) consisted of six online modules that included psychoeducation, sensate focus, communication exercises, cognitive exercises, and e-mail contact with a therapist. PP incorporated mindfulness training and online chat groups as well as assessed partner sexual functioning. Participants demonstrated a completion rate of 57%, with 26 women with female sexual problems and related distress completing the program compared to a wait-list control group of 31 women also experiencing sexual problems and distress. Sexual problems reported by women in both groups included difficulties with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain. The treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in all domains of female sexual response (except for sexual pain) and significant reductions in the reported frequency of sexual problems and distress. Partner sexual functioning showed positive change. Improvements in female sexual functioning and some improvements in male partner sexual functioning were maintained at three-month follow-up. Limitations and suitability of clients for this treatment approach for women who are geographically isolated, who are unable to attend face-to-face therapy, and who possess a high degree of motivation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was concerned with how the sexuality and relationships of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are different from those of people from the general population. Three-hundred eighty-one respondents (144 males, 237 females) with MS and 291 respondents (101 males, 190 females) from the general population participated in the study. Sexual satisfaction, sexual dysfunction, relationship satisfaction, and coping style were assessed among all respondents. Information was also obtained from people with MS regarding age of onset and diagnosis of symptoms, as well as severity of symptoms. Overall, males with MS experienced a higher frequency of sexual dysfunction than males from the general population, while females with MS only differed from females from the general population in their levels of masturbation and numbness of the genital area. Coping strategies and levels of cognitive functioning were important predictors of sexual satisfaction, sexual dysfunction, and relationship satisfaction for women with MS, but there were fewer coping or health-related factors that predicted these variables among men with MS. The results of this study are discussed in terms of factors related to sexual satisfaction and positive interpersonal relationships. There is a need to conduct further research in this area so that professionals working with people with MS are informed on strategies to improve the sexuality and relationships of their clients' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of role quality, relationship satisfaction, fatigue, and depression on women's sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth. Questionnaire data were obtained from 138 women pregnant with their first child, of whom 104 responded at 12 weeks postpartum, and 70 responded at 6 months postpartum. Women reported significant reductions in sexuality during pregnancy and postpartum. Relationship satisfaction explained levels of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, and was a predictor of sexual desire in the postpartum. Depression was an important predictor of reduced sexual desire and sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, and of reduced frequency of intercourse at 12 weeks postpartum. At 6 months postpartum, the quality of the mother role strongly related to measures of sexuality. Throughout the perinatal period, fatigue impacted on measures of sexuality, either directly or/and indirectly. The implications of these results in terms of the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on relationships and sexuality are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attitudes toward and experience of sexual intercourse among young people during dating stages were investigated. The proportion of young. Australian adults who desired intercourse, who had experienced intercourse, who had both desired and experienced intercourse, or who neither wanted to nor had experienced intercourse at various stages of dating was studied. The type of relationship within which intercourse occurred was also investigated by considering the affectional aspects of dating. Desire for and experience of high levels of caring, commitment, sincerity, and other measures of interpersonal involvement were determined. The sample consisted of 1,637 young people between 16 and 25 years of age, drawn from a wide range of backgrounds. More men than women both desired and had experienced sexual intercourse, At any particular stage of dating, the desired level of intercourse for men was more than actual experience. With increasing involvement in the dating relationship and with increasing age, more men and women both desired and had experienced intercourse. There were no sex or age trends in either desired or experienced level of affection during dating. However, levels of affection increased with increasing involvement in the relationship. Most men desire and experience sexual intercourse within a caring relationship. Most women, however, enjoy sexual intercourse only when there is a greater level of commitment within the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scale was constructed which may be used to measure depth of desired and experienced sexual involvement during various stages of dating. Consisting of 12 items; the scale was constructed after administering a scale of 16 items, derived from previously published scales, to 259 subjects. Test-retest reliability for the desired behaviors and actual experiences of 61 subjects was found to range as high as .86 for dating desires to .96 for dating behavior. The coefficients of reproducibility and scalability Were found to range from .94 to .95 and from .70 to .79, respectively, using 2,001 Subjects. Coefficient alpha ranged from .87 to .99 for different uses of the scale. Item to total correlations and construct validity were examined using the responses of 156 subjects and 259 subjects, respectively. Results showed that although initial differences existed between the sexes, compatibility of behavior and desire developed over stages of dating and with increasing age. Criterion validity was measured using 29 couples in a going-steady relationship. These couples exhibited a high level of compatibility in sexual desire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of medical conditions, childhood experiences, and psychological and relationship factors in the development and maintenance of male sexual difficulties is not well understood. Using self-report questionnaires, the current study examined how these factors are associated with male sexual difficulties overall, as well as for each of four separate problems (low sexual desire, erectile difficulties, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation). The participants for the study were 331 Australian men from the general population, all of whom were in cohabiting heterosexual relationships and had experienced one or more of the aforementioned sexual problems. Data were collected via an online survey between January 2010 and April 2011. The results demonstrated that medical factors as well as current psychological factors (e.g., performance anxiety) were most likely associated with each male sexual difficulty. These findings are in contrast to those obtained with women, where relationship factors are strongly related to female sexual problems. They would suggest that the targets for sex therapy may be different for men and women, with medical problems and performance anxiety being the primary targets for men.