Psychometric Properties and Gender Invariance of the Portuguese (European) Version of the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale.

The sexuality of older people was understood as non-existent or as something outside the prevailing norm. In this sense, analysing people's sexual knowledge and attitudes towards older people is a challenge for theory and practice. The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale (ASKAS) for the Portuguese population. A sample of 994 Portuguese adults (70.9% women, n = 705) completed the ASKAS-PT along with a series of self-report measures. Confirmatory factor analysis and the psychometric properties of the Portuguese (European) version of ASKAS-PT were investigated, particularly reliability, temporal stability, and convergent and critical validity. This study also examined the gender measurement invariance of the ASKAS-PT. After confirmatory factor analysis, a two-factor model fit the Portuguese version best. Reliability and validity results also showed good results, and the ASKAS-PT appears to be a gender-invariant measure. Overall, the Portuguese version of the ASKAS showed good psychometric properties and appears to be a valid and reliable measure for assessing knowledge and attitudes about aging.

Life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction and resilience: when the pleasure of helping others protects veterinary staff from emotional suffering.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals working in veterinary field suffer significantly from mental health problems, and research has extensively focused on psychological and work-related predictors of psychological distress. This study intended to approach psychological distress through a positive lens by investigating the predictive role of life satisfaction on psychological distress in veterinary staff, and the mediating effect of compassion satisfaction, resilience and perceived social support. METHODOLOGY: A total of 868 veterinary staff (i.e. veterinarians, veterinary nurses, veterinary assistants and veterinary administrative staff) completed a web-survey assessing life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction, resilience, and social support. RESULTS: Life satisfaction negatively predicts psychological distress, and compassion satisfaction and resilience showed a mediation effect on the relationship between life satisfaction and psychological distress, with compassion satisfaction explaining 59% and resilience 6.4% of the effect of life satisfaction on psychological distress. CONCLUSION: Current data support the role of life satisfaction as a protective dimension on psychological distress within a broader sample population of veterinary staff in Portugal, highlighting the role of compassion satisfaction and resilience in contributing in minimising distress among veterinary staff.

Suicide Risk in Veterinary Professionals in Portugal: Prevalence of Psychological Symptoms, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue.

Mental health problems and suicide risk among veterinarians and veterinary nurses are well documented in the literature. Data on veterinary assistants have been overlooked, however. In addition, information on Portuguese veterinary professionals is lacking. An online sample of 833 Portuguese veterinary professionals (443 veterinarians, 287 nurses, and 103 assistants) completed self-report questionnaires about suicide risk and mental health between December 2022 and March 2023. Descriptive analysis revealed that 3.5% of respondents attempted suicide during their lifetime; 17.2% experienced extremely severe depression and suicidal ideation; 17.8% and 27.0% experienced extremely severe stress and anxiety, respectively; and 27.4% and 27.7% reported burnout and compassion fatigue, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that professionals with a history of mental illness history; with current clinical symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress; and working more than 40 hours per week experienced greater levels of burnout, compassion fatigue, and suicide ideation. Other variables such as being a woman, being a veterinary assistant, and disagreeing with motives for euthanasia also predicted some mental health problems. Mental health problems in the Portuguese veterinary professionals are a major health concern. These professionals are at higher risk for suicide, and clinical implications and guidelines are discussed.

Measuring Sexual Motivation as a Trait Dimension: A multisample study of the Portuguese (European) Version of the Trait Sexual Motivation Questionnaire.

The current study aimed at translating and validating the TSMQ into Portuguese-European (TSMQ-PT) and to investigate its psychometric properties. Three online studies were conducted with independent samples collected between September 2020 and March 2022. Study 1 tested the exploratory factorial structure (N = 325; 206 women); Study 2 explored the confirmatory factorial structure and construct validity (N = 450; 230 women); and Study 3 examined the temporal stability of the TSMQ-PT (N = 30; 15 women). Participants completed the TSMQ-PT for all three studies. In study 2, further completed the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, and the Sexual Desire Inventory. Data revealed that the TSMQ-PT yielded a four-structure model, (i.e., Sexually Oriented, Comparison with Others, Seeking for Sexual Encounters, and Importance of Sex) comprising 13 items, with seven additional items for assessing existence and number of sexual partners, and frequency of sexual behaviors. The TSMQ-PT achieved good internal consistency levels (McDonald's omega ranged from .71 to .89) and construct validity, and temporal stability over 10-11 months (values ranged from .80 to .87) supporting the trait-dimension of sexual motivation. Current findings support a brief, valid, and reliable self-report instrument for assessing sexual motivation in the Portuguese context.

Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Acceptance as Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction in Cisgender Heterosexual Men and Women.

Sexual satisfaction is a relevant indicator of sexual health, and psychotherapeutic interventions for sexual dysfunction also promote sexual satisfaction in men and women. Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies for sexual dysfunction, including third-wave approaches, are effective in treating sexual dysfunction. Thus, third-wave cognitive-behavioral constructs may play a significant role in sexual satisfaction. This study intends to examine the predictive role of mindfulness awareness and attention, self-compassion and acceptance, and action constructs on cisgender heterosexual men's and women's sexual satisfaction. A web survey including self-report measures for assessing mindfulness awareness and attention (MAAS), self-compassion (SCS), acceptance and action (AAQ), and sexual satisfaction (GMSEX) was disseminated during 2022, and a sample of 420 participants was collected (n = 238 women; 56.7%; n = 182 men; 43.3%). No statistically significant differences were found between cisgender heterosexual men and women on mindfulness awareness and attention, self-compassion, acceptance and action, and sexual satisfaction. In addition, all variables account for 6.5% of cisgender heterosexual men's and women's sexual satisfaction variance, and mindfulness awareness and attention, self-compassion, and acceptance and action positively predicted sexual satisfaction. Overall, mindfulness awareness and attention, self-compassion, and acceptance and action play a significant predictive role in cisgender heterosexual men's and women's sexual satisfaction.

The impact of imprisonment on individuals' mental health and society reintegration: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Prison sentences are a particular type of penalty that aim to reintegrate individuals into society. Nonetheless, research suggests that prison sentences have a null or a criminogenic effect on recidivism and a critical impact on inmates' mental health, negatively interfering with their successful reintegration into society and recidivism. Prevalence rates of mental health disorders among individuals who commit crimes are high, but little is known about how incarceration perpetuates and/or worsens mental health symptoms. In the Portuguese context, no studies focused on understanding the impact of imprisonment on prisoners' mental health. Thus, this project aims to understand incarceration's mental health and well-being impact on male and female individuals convicted to prison, both while incarcerated and after release. METHODS: The study will follow a quantitative cross-sectional design of male and female individuals in prison and parole, aiming to assess different samples at different moments of the prison sentence. It will also follow a longitudinal design in a subsample of male and female individuals sentenced to prison and on parole who will be followed for one year. DISCUSSION: This study intends to have a meaningful impact on the understanding of imprisonment effects, giving important clues for developing and implementing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies to address prisoners' and ex-prisoners' mental health and improve their ability to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism.

COVID-19 fear and anxiety as mediators in the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and psychopathology: a community-based study during the 2nd confinement in Portugal.

Repetitive negative thinking is a cognitive dimension of the onset and maintenance of psychopathology, and increased levels of psychopathology have been observed during COVID-19 lockdowns. The role of fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 anxiety has been poorly explored in terms of psychopathology during lockdowns due to the pandemic crisis. This study examines the mediating role of fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 anxiety in the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and psychopathology during the second lockdown in Portugal. Participants completed a web survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, the Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21. The results showed a positive and significant correlation between all variables and identified fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 anxiety as significant mediators in the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and psychopathology during the second lockdown in Portugal, after controlling for being isolated, being infected, and working in first line response of COVID-19. Overall, the current findings highlight the role of cognitive dimensions such as anxiety and fear in the context of COVID-19, nearly a year after the pandemic outbreak and after the release of a vaccine. Mental health programs should consider improving coping strategies for emotion regulation, particularly fear and anxiety, during major catastrophic health-related events.

The Relationship Between Temperament Characteristics and Emotion Regulation Abilities in Institutionalized and Noninstitutionalized Children.

This study examined the role of institutionalization and temperament dimensions on emotion regulation and negative lability in school-aged (6-10 years) children. Participants were 46 institutionalized (22 boys; 24 girls) and 48 noninstitutionalized children (23 boys; 25 girls), matched in age and sex. Emotion regulation and negative lability were assessed with the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC). The School-Age Temperament Inventory (SATI) was used to measure temperament dimensions. No significant between-group differences emerged in temperament dimensions, emotion regulation and negative lability. After controlling for institutionalization status, results indicated that (a) approach/withdrawal (sociability) and persistence positively predicted emotion regulation, (b) negative reactivity positively predicted negative lability, and (c) persistence negatively predicted negative lability. Institutionalization did not predict emotion regulation or negative lability. The protective role that specific temperament characteristics, such as persistence and approach/withdrawal (sociability), may have for at risk populations (e.g., institutionalized) and typically developing (e.g., noninstitutionalized) children is highlighted.

Sexual Functioning, Automatic Thoughts and Affective Response: The Moderation Role of Personality Traits in a Study with Heterosexual and Gay Men.

Personality traits, automatic thoughts, and affective states during sexual activity in men have been studied; however, little is known about their interaction. The current study examines the moderation role of personality traits on the relationship between cognitive-affective dimensions and sexual behavior in men. An online sample of 497 men (227 gay men) was recruited, and participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Automatic Thoughts from the Sexual Modes Questionnaire (SMQ) subscale, The Positive Affect-Negative Affect scales (PANAS), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)/and the IIEF for men who have sex with men (IIEF-MSM). The main findings showed that extraversion, absence of erotic thoughts, positive affect, and negative affect were significant predictors of sexual functioning in gay (ß = .266, ß = -.345, ß = .361; ß = -.292, p < .05, respectively) and heterosexual men (ß = .208, ß = -.382, ß = .318; ß = -.214, p < .05, respectively); neuroticism significantly predicted sexual functioning only in gay men (ß = -.244, p < .05). Extraversion was a moderator between absence of erotic thoughts and sexual functioning in heterosexual men (p = .004), and between positive affect and sexual functioning in gay men (p = .001), and Neuroticism was a moderator between positive affect and sexual functioning in gay men (p < .001). Overall, extraversion buffered the negative impact of absence of erotic thoughts on heterosexual men sexual functioning and the negative impact of lower positive affect on gay men sexual functioning, whereas low neuroticism boost the impact of positive affect on gay men sexual functioning.

Differences in solitary and dyadic sexual desire and sexual satisfaction in heterosexual and nonheterosexual cisgender men and women.

BACKGROUND: Gender differences in sexual desire have been documented in the literature, with sexual desire being correlated with sexual satisfaction; however, data on sexual desire and sexual satisfaction among nonheterosexual samples are more limited, as are data examining sexual desire toward oneself (solitary) and another person (dyadic). AIM: To examine differences between men and women, between heterosexuals and nonheterosexuals, and the interaction of gender and sexual orientation in solitary and dyadic sexual desire (partner and attractive person related) and sexual satisfaction, and to explore the predictive role of solitary and dyadic sexual desire on sexual satisfaction, controlling for gender and sexual orientation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with an online sample of 1013 participants recruited between 2017 and 2020 (552 women, 54.5%; 461 men, 45.5%; 802 heterosexuals, 79.2%; 211 nonheterosexuals, 20.8%). OUTCOMES: Participants completed a web survey with a sociodemographic sheet, the Sexual Desire Inventory-2, and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction. RESULTS: Current findings indicated that men scored significantly higher on solitary sexual desire (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.015) and attractive person-related desire (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.015) when compared with women. Likewise, nonheterosexuals scored significantly higher on solitary sexual desire (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.053) and attractive person-related desire (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.033) vs heterosexuals. In addition, partner-related desire (ß = 0.33, P < .001) was a positive and significant predictor of sexual satisfaction, whereas solitary desire (ß = -0.18, P < .001) and attractive person-related desire (ß = -0.23, P < .001) were negative predictors. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual desire toward an intimate partner appears to be experienced in similar levels among heterosexual and nonheterosexual men and women, while solitary and attractive person-related sexual desire appears to be more strong among men and nonheterosexual individuals. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The current study did not use a dyadic-centered approach, only individual perceptions and experiences. However, it explored solitary sexual desire and partner- and attractive person-related sexual desire in a large sample of heterosexual and nonheterosexual men and women as predictors of sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Overall, men and nonheterosexual individuals experienced more solitary and attractive person-related sexual desire. In addition, partner-related sexual desire was a positive predictor of sexual satisfaction, whereas solitary sexual desire and attractive person-related desire were negative predictors of sexual satisfaction.

Sexual functioning beliefs, sexual satisfaction, and sexual functioning in women: a cross-sectional mediation analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunctional beliefs are known to be negative predictors of women's sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction, but little is known about the role that beliefs about sexual functioning play in women's sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. AIM: The purpose of the present study was to examine the mediating role of sexual functioning in the relationship between women's beliefs about sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. METHODS: A sample of 301 women was invited to participate in a web survey about female sexuality in May 2020. OUTCOMES: Participants completed the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beliefs About Sexual Functioning Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, and the Female Sexual Functioning Index. RESULTS: Sexual functioning was a significant mediator in the relationship between beliefs about sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in women. When the dimensions of sexual functioning were considered as mediators, only sexual desire and absence of sexual pain were significant mediators in the relationship between beliefs about sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in women. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Negative beliefs about sexual functioning in women are associated with poor sexual functioning and lack of sexual satisfaction. Therefore, beliefs about sexual functioning should be assessed during the intervention for women's sexual difficulties and to increase sexual pleasure and satisfaction. In addition, special attention should be paid to women with problems with sexual desire and sexual pain when beliefs about sexual functioning are being assessed. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study is one of the first attempts to explore the role of beliefs about sexual functioning in women's sexual satisfaction and to examine the mediating role of sexual functioning. Limitations include the small sample size, the lack of a clinical sample, and the nonlongitudinal methodological approach. CONCLUSION: Beliefs about sexual functioning are a negative predictor of sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in women. In addition, women with sexual pain and lack of sexual desire are more likely to have lower sexual satisfaction if they have more negative beliefs about sexual functioning.

Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence and COVID-19-Related Anxiety During the Second Lockdown in Portugal: The Mediating Role of Anxiety, Depression, and Stress.

Purpose: The restrictions imposed during lockdown by COVID-19 pandemic entailed increased risks for the perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV). Widespread fear and uncertainty related to the virus and the policies adopted to contain it have been linked to a set of social, emotional, and economic stressors that can increase the risk of IPV. The present study aims to assess the association between COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress), and IPV perpetration in the community, as well as to assess the mediating role of psychological distress and depression, anxiety, and stress in the relationship between COVID-19-related anxiety and the perpetration of IPV. Methods: A sample of 336 participants (282 females, Mage = 34.91, SD = 11.72) was recruited from the Portuguese population through an online self-report questionnaire, completed after the second lockdown (from April and July 2021). Results: High rates of IPV perpetration during the confinement, in particular psychological and physical IPV, were found. COVID-19-related anxiety and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) were related to higher levels of IPV perpetration. Psychological distress and stress mediated the relationship between COVID-19-related anxiety and total IPV perpetration and psychological distress and depression mediated the relationship between COVID-19-related anxiety and psychological IPV perpetration. Conclusions: This study highlights the mediating role of psychological distress on IPV perpetration. Practical implications for intervention policies in IPV perpetration will be discussed.

Solitary and Dyadic Sexual Desire and Sexual Satisfaction in Women With and Without Sexual Concerns.

Women's sexual difficulties have been associated with sexual-related dimensions. The present study aims to analyze the differences between women with and without sexual concerns, according to the Female Sexual Functioning Index cutoff score, on dyadic and solitary sexual desire and sexual satisfaction dimensions. A total of 314 women participated in the study and answered to a sociodemographic screening, to the Sexual Desire Inventory - 2, to the Female Sexual Functioning Index, and to the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women. Main findings showed that women with sexual concerns revealed lower levels of global sexual desire and partner-related sexual desire, experienced lower levels of communication and compatibility with sexual partner, and have more personal and relational sexual concerns. Overall, results enhance the role of dyadic and relational dimensions that allow to differentiate between women with and without sexual concerns. Clinical implications are discussed.

Individual and community psychological experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: The state of emergency in Portugal.

Individuals have different ways of coping with crisis. Individual factors, family and contextual features, and community support may influence how individuals feel, think and act during a crisis. COVID-19 was an unexpected pandemic that forced many European countries to take confinement measures and restrict social face to face interactions. This study is an effort to understand how Portuguese residents dealt with the pandemic during the first confinement period, considering different sociodemographic characteristics and trauma exposure perceptions. Five hundred and five adults, between 18 and 79 years old participated in this study via an online self-report assessment protocol. Sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, marital status, employment status, and caring responsibilities had an impact on individuals' perceptions regarding their exposure to the pandemic and their quality of life. Perceived exposure to the pandemic was found to predict quality of life in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains. Results have practical implications for European and local policy-making, as well as for targeting psychological interventions for those whose mental health has been negatively affected by the pandemic and for those who may become more affected if confinement measures are implemented again.

Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Sexual Functioning in Sports Practitioners: A Pilot Study.

Emotion regulation is a transdiagnostic process strongly related with emotional difficulties, which may interfere with sexual functioning. Little is known about this association in athletes. The current study examined differences in difficulties in emotion regulation in sports practitioners with and without sexual difficulties. A total of 174 athletes (64 women and 110 men) completed a web-survey, answering a sociodemographic information questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form, and the Female Sexual Functioning Index/the International Index of Erectile Function. Results suggested that 34 women (53.1%) experienced sexual difficulties and 40 men (35.1%) reported erectile difficulties. Women with sexual difficulties revealed greater difficulties in goal-directed behavior. Men with erectile difficulties revealed greater lack of emotional awareness and clarity, more difficulties in goal-directed behavior (focusing on relevant information and ignoring distractors) and impulse control, and higher nonacceptance of emotions. Overall, current findings enhance the role of difficulties in emotional regulation in sexual functioning in male and female sports practitioners.

Quality of life and emotional well-being during COVID-19 as mediators in the relationship between sexual functioning and satisfaction in Portuguese women.

Women's quality of life, emotional well-being, sexual functioning and satisfaction are associated, and little is known about this relationship during COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the mediating role of quality of life and emotional well-being in the relationship between sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in women during COVID-19 outbreak in Portugal. A sample of 301 women was recruited in May 2020, and women answered to a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Functioning Index, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, the brief WHOQOL, and the Positive Affect - Negative Affect Scale (emotional well-being). Results indicated that quality of life was the only significant mediator for the relationship between sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. Overall, the results emphasize the role of perceived quality of life in women's sexuality, by extending previous knowledge to a crisis context (COVID-19 pandemic), enhancing quality of life promotion during adverse moments to improve women's sexual satisfaction.

Portuguese adolescents' cognitive well-being and basic psychological needs during the COVID-19 outbreak: A longitudinal study.

Confinements and social distancing measures during COVID-19 pandemic were particularly challenging to adolescents, impacting significantly their life and routines. Following a longitudinal design, this study sought to compare adolescents' cognitive well-being-satisfaction with life, social support, and quality of life-before (T1) and during (T2) the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aimed to clarify the predictive value of the three dimensions of the cognitive well-being to the satisfaction of basic psychological needs of adolescents at school at T2. One thousand ninety-nine Portuguese adolescents participated, showing generally increased scores in satisfaction with life, social support, and quality of life at T2. Even so, girls revealed lower changes in cognitive well-being components compared with boys, between T1 and T2. In addition, satisfaction with life and quality of life were predictive of satisfaction of basic psychological needs at T2. This work highlights the relevance of cognitive well-being as a dispositional dimension in determining the satisfaction of basic psychological needs in adolescence, during a worldwide catastrophic event.

Measuring Self-Serving Cognitive Distortions with Special Reference to Juvenile Delinquency: A Validation of the "How I Think" Questionnaire in a Sample of Portuguese Adolescents.

The present study aims to test the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the "How I Think" (HIT) questionnaire. The HIT questionnaire is a self-report measure of self-serving cognitive distortions. Our sample was comprised of 442 Portuguese-speaking adolescents and young adults (254 males and 188 females), aged between 12 and 20 years. Of the total 442 participants, 351 were recruited from a Portuguese school and 91 from four Portuguese detention centers for juvenile delinquents. Data analysis provided evidence supporting the original six-factor model solution, composed of a four-category typology of self-serving cognitive distortions (i.e., Selfcentered, Blaming Others, Minimizing/Mislabeling, and Assuming the Worst), an Anomalous responding, and one Positive filler factor. Further, results showed satisfactory internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. In conclusion, this article provides Portuguese researchers and practitioners with a valid measure of self-serving cognitive distortions.

Sexual Satisfaction and Cognitive Schemas Activated in a Sexual Context among Iranian Married Women of Reproductive Age.

The present study examined the relationship between sexual satisfaction (SS) and cognitive schemas activated in sexual context. In a cross-sectional study, the participants comprised 313 Iranian married women (mean age of 36.7 years and mean marriage duration of 12.4 years). Data were collected utilizing an online survey comprising the Index of Sexual Satisfaction, the Cognitive Schema Activated in Sexual Context Questionnaire, and a number of sociodemographic questions. A linear regression model utilizing the stepwise method was performed. The mean score of cognitive schemas relating to sexual problems was 35.56 (out of 140; SD = 14.68) with the highest mean in the Difference/Loneliness subscale (higher scores indicating greater negative schema activation). The mean score of sexual satisfaction on the ISS was 96.80 (out of 125; SD = 16.77). The highest scores of cognitive schemas relating to sexual problems were observed among individuals with low sexual satisfaction. Based on a multivariable linear regression model, age (ß = 0.33), spouse social support (ß = 0.23), and spouse job (ß = 0.21) had the highest regression coefficients in relation to sexual satisfaction among Iranian married women. Cognitive schemas activated in a sexual context were strongly and significantly associated with sexual satisfaction among Iranian married women of reproductive age. The findings suggest that schema therapy techniques be used alongside initiatives to promote spouse social support to help prevent problematic sexual cognitive schemas.

Repetitive Negative Thinking and Sexual Functioning in Portuguese Men and Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic process involved in the development and maintenance of emotional disorders that negatively affect sexual functioning. However, empirical evidence for the role of RNT on sexual functioning is still lacking. The current study aimed to investigate the role of RNT on sexual functioning in men and women by examining differences in RNT between men and women and between individuals with and without subclinical sexual difficulties. It also aimed to investigate the predictive role of RNT on sexual function indices in men and women. Methods: A total of 424 participants (270 women) completed online a sociodemographic questionnaire and Portuguese versions of the Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale, the Female Sexual Functioning Index, and the International Index of Erectile Function. Results: The main findings showed that women scored significantly higher than men on the RNT. Similarly, individuals with subclinical sexual difficulties scored significantly higher on the RNT compared with individuals without sexual difficulties. RNT was a statistically significant and negative predictor of sexual functioning in women and men. The role of RNT on sexual functioning in women and men was found, with men and women with subclinical sexual difficulties more likely to express persistent and intrusive negative thoughts compared with men and women without sexual difficulties. Conclusions: In summary, RNT appears to be a negative predictor of sexual functioning in both women and men, suggesting that individuals with more intrusive and negative persistent thoughts also have more difficulty in their sexual response.