10. Psychologically-based performance anxiety is believed to underlie several of
ID: 130009 • Letter: 1
Question
10. Psychologically-based performance anxiety is believed to underlie several of the Sexual Dysfunction disorders. Describe three Sexual Dysfunctions related to the typical human sexual response cycle and briefly discuss how performance anxiety contributes to the development and/or maintenance of each of the dysfunctions. Provide examples of interventions designed to reduce/eliminate psychologically-based performance anxiety. What other factors have been shown to contribute to the development of the Sexual Dysfunctions you described?Explanation / Answer
Erectile dysfunction (in males): It refers to an inadequate amount of firmness that may be required in developing or maintaining an erection of the genital during sexual intercourse.
Premature ejaculation (in males): It refers to ejaculation by a man before or soon after sexual intercourse begins.
Female sexual arousal disorder (in females): It refers to a female’s inability to either attain or maintain sexual arousal at the time of sexual activity.
Performance anxiety may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of each of the above-mentioned sexual dysfunctions due to several reasons such as, negative thoughts about daily events/sex-related matters, relationship difficulties, distorted body/self-image, insecurity about the ability to perform sexually, fear about size of penis/appearance of the vagina, etc.
The treatment modalities or interventions for managing or eliminating psychologically-based performance anxiety may include: seeking professional help, making lifestyle modifications to improve general health which will help enhance self-image and self-esteem, sex therapy and couples therapy in order to develop healthier attitudes towards sex and one’s partner, learning and implementing adaptive ways to deal with daily stressors so that overall mental health is taken care of, psychotherapy models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which includes Exposure Therapies like Systematic Desensitization and Covert Sensitization, seeking complementary therapies such as meditation and yoga, etc.
Other factors shown to contribute to the development and/or maintenance of each of the above-mentioned sexual dysfunctions may include: substance use, smoking, mental illnesses such as depression, neurological conditions such as Traumatic Brain Injury, medical conditions such as diabetes, after effects of surgeries, medications, etc.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.