Cognitive and social aspects of sexual dysfunction: Sexual scripts in sex therapy

The formulation and treatment of sexual dysfunctions are conceptualized within a framework of sexual scripts. This approach places particular emphasis on the cognitive and interpersonal dimensions of sexual interaction and provides greater continuity in our understanding of the development of sexual conduct in general. Clinical assessment of sexual scripts begins with a comparison of performative and cognitive scripts, which are then elaborated in terms of key script attributes such as complexity, rigidity, conventionality and satisfaction. Sex therapy is viewed as a process of script modification, in which particular attention is payed to the integration of covert and overt aspects of the script. Two case illustrations are provided. The discussion contrasts the present use of script analysis with the way the term is used in transactional analysis and research in artificial intelligence.