Longitudinal associations between relational and sexual well-being in couples transitioning to parenthood.

There is limited understanding of the dynamic between relational and sexual well-being as couples adjust to new parenthood, despite this being a vulnerable period for couples' relationships. This study was aimed at examining the bidirectional links between relationship quality and sexual well-being (i.e., sexual satisfaction, sexual distress) across the transition to parenthood. We assessed new parent couples (N = 257) across four time points (two prenatal) from mid-pregnancy through 6 months postpartum. Parallel dyadic latent growth curve modeling was employed to examine the associations between trajectories of perceived relationship quality, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress. New parents' declines in relationship quality were associated with declines in own and partners' sexual satisfaction and with increases in own sexual distress. Mothers' prenatal relationship quality and sexual distress predicted subsequent changes in own sexual distress and fathers' relationship quality, respectively. Results indicate that changes to new parents' relational and sexual well-being mutually influence each other over time. Current results indicate that the impact of the transition on couples' relationships is partly determined by own and partners' prenatal factors, to which clinicians and researchers can attend to early on. Cross-domain links between relational and sexual well-being should be considered in research and clinical practice.

Mapping the contributions of dyadic approaches to couples' psychosocial adaptation to prostate cancer: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the second-most prevalent cancer diagnosis worldwide among males. Although prostate cancer affects the physical, sexual, and mental health of patients, the impact of prostate cancer on partners has also been increasingly recognized. Hence, taking a dyadic approach is of relevance. Moreover, there is evidence of the utility of dyadic approaches to the study of relational stress that chronic diseases such as prostate cancer can bring to couples, even though knowledge is sparse about prostate cancer. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to map existing dyadic studies on the psychosocial adaptation of couples to prostate cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of studies published from 2005 to November 2022 was conducted on electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCOHost, Scopus, and Web of Science) following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews). RESULTS: The review included 25 eligible studies from the initial 2514 articles retrieved. Overall, the results emphasized the interdependency between couple members and suggested how partners' adaptation influences patients' adaptation to prostate cancer and vice versa, regarding several psychosocial dimensions (eg, intimacy, quality of life). CONCLUSIONS: This work can bring awareness to health care professionals to adopt a couples approach when managing prostate cancer whenever there is a partner, due to these interdependent influences. For researchers and future studies, this work can strengthen the relevance of dyadic approaches on how couples adapt to prostate cancer and explore which other dimensions influence these complex dynamics.

The Role of Men's Sexual Beliefs on Sexual Function/Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.

Cognitive models of sexual dysfunction postulate that inflexible, unrealistic, and erroneous sexual beliefs work as a vulnerability factor for the development of sexual dysfunctions and existing studies give some support to this hypothesis. However, to date, there is no published systematic review of studies testing the association between men's sexual beliefs and sexual functioning. This systematic review was conducted from searches using EBSCO, PubMed, and Web of Science databases identifying peer-reviewed studies and gray literature sources from inception to November 2021. Twenty cross-sectional studies, assessing correlations between the degree of endorsement of sexual beliefs and sexual functioning and comparing endorsement of sexual beliefs in men with and without sexual problems were included. Despite the small effect sizes, results indicate that higher endorsement of inflexible/unrealistic/erroneous sexual beliefs is associated with poorer sexual functioning and that men presenting with sexual problems tend to report higher endorsement of these sexual beliefs. Further research with clinical samples as well as longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the ways these associations emerge and develop. The state of evidence on this research topic, including gaps and limitations, is discussed.

Longitudinal associations between mindfulness and changes to body image in first-time parent couples.

Pregnancy and postpartum are associated with declines in body image. Research on postpartum body image focuses almost exclusively on the person who gave birth and studies examining protective factors for postpartum body image are scarce. We assessed 257 new-parent couples from mid-pregnancy to 6-months postpartum to examine whether mindfulness-a recognized contributor to psychological well-being-buffered against declines in both partners' perceptions of mothers' body. Mothers' positive body image and partners' perception of mothers' body were collected at four time-points (second and third trimester; 3- and 6-months postpartum); both partners' mindfulness facets-observing, describing, awareness acting, non-judgement, and non-reactivity-were assessed in the second trimester. Dyadic latent growth curve modeling revealed that both partners' perceptions of mothers' body were positively correlated at all moments; however, mothers' positive body image worsened over time, whereas partners' perception of mothers' body remained stable. Mindfulness facets were positively associated with mothers' positive body image (observe, describe, and non-judging) and fathers' (non-judging) perceptions of mothers' body in pregnancy. Mothers' mindfulness facets (acting with awareness, non-judging) were associated with subsequent trajectories of their own body image. By identifying mindfulness facets as targetable protective factors during pregnancy, these findings have implications for future research and interventions focused on perinatal body image.

Biopsychosocial Predictors of Couples' Trajectories of Sexual Function and Sexual Distress Across the Transition to Parenthood.

The prevailing narrative about sexual declines during the transition to parenthood is largely based on studies assessing the average couple, but there is increasing evidence of variability in the sexual well-being of new parents. We sought to establish distinct subgroups of couples based on sexual function and sexual distress trajectories and examine biopsychosocial risk and protective factors of these trajectories. A prospective cohort of 257 first-time parent couples reported on sexual function and sexual distress from 20-week pregnancy (baseline) to 6 months postpartum across four time-points. Biopsychosocial factors were assessed at baseline and 3 months postpartum. Dyadic latent class growth analysis identified two distinct sexual function classes (high, 85%; discrepant, 15%) and three sexual distress classes (low, 77%; moderate, 12%; discrepant, 11%). We identified biomedical (vaginal delivery, perineal tear, breastfeeding) and psychosocial (fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, attitudes toward sex during pregnancy, relationship quality, perceived partner support) factors that can be assessed at critical time-points (i.e., 20-week pregnancy and 3 months postpartum) to identify high-risk couples. Current results indicate that the course of change in sexual well-being for new parents is heterogeneous, with most new parents retaining high function and low distress and only a minority showing trajectories in which mothers, but not fathers, experience clinically significant and persistent levels of low sexual function and high sexual distress. These results may facilitate more nuanced approaches to the assessment and intervention of new parents' sexual well-being.

Questionário I-SHARE Brasil: adaptação do português de Portugal para o português do Brasil / I-SHARE Brazil questionnaire: adaptation from Portuguese to Brazilian Portuguese

A pandemia de COVID-19 trouxe desafios acrescidos aos já existentes, em termos de acesso aos serviços, respostas adequadas, garantia de direitos, entre outros, para a área da saúde sexual e reprodutiva no Brasil e no mundo. A pesquisa "International Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Survey" (I-SHARE), um estudo global desenvolvido em mais de 40 países, surge da necessidade de investigar essa situação, sendo necessário criar e adaptar instrumentos capazes de captar esta nova realidade mundial. O objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar o processo de adaptação do questionário I-SHARE de português de Portugal para o português do Brasil. A versão brasileira do questionário I-SHARE incluiu 15 grandes blocos de questões relacionadas a COVID-19, violência e saúde sexual e reprodutiva. A adaptação obrigou a acomodar diferenças linguísticas, culturais e institucionais de diferente natureza. O pré-teste, realizado com 10 pessoas, revelou uma boa aceitação, não se tendo verificado dificuldades de compreensão e análise por parte dos/as participantes. Conclui-se que o questionário I-SHARE Brasil, além de ter servido uma pesquisa particular no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19, poderá ser adaptado a outras realidades e estudos futuros no âmbito da saúde sexual e reprodutiva no Brasil.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought increased challenges regarding access to services, adequate responses, guaranteeing rights, among others, for the area of sexual and reproductive health in Brazil and around the world. The "International Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Survey" (I-SHARE), a global study carried out in more than 40 countries, arises from the need to investigate this situation, making it necessary to create and adapt instruments capable of capturing this new global reality. The objective of this article is to present the process of adapting the I-SHARE questionnaire from Portuguese to Brazilian Portuguese. The Brazilian version of the I-SHARE questionnaire included 15 large blocks of questions related to COVID-19, violence and sexual and reproductive health. Adaptation forced to accommodate linguistic, cultural and institutional differences of different nature. The pre-test, carried out with 10 people, revealed good acceptance, with no difficulties in understanding or analyzing on the part of the participants. It is concluded that the I-SHARE Brazil questionnaire, in addition to having served as a particular research in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, can be adapted to other realities and future studies in the field of sexual and reproductive health in Brazil.

Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples.

BACKGROUND: The Female Sexual Distress Scale and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised-herein called the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS and SDS-R)-are among the most widely used self-report instruments to assess sexual distress, but no version for use in the Portuguese population is available to date. AIM: The current study aimed to validate the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R in samples of women and men with and without distressing sexual problems. METHODS: A sample of 1,109 participants without distressing sexual problems (761 women) and 382 participants with distressing sexual problems (283 women), ages ranging from 18 to 72 years, were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese SDS and SDS-R. OUTCOMES: Participants completed a survey that included a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the SDS and SDS-R, and measures of sexual satisfaction, sexual quality of life, sexual function, dyadic adjustment, and psychological distress. RESULTS: Results indicated that the Portuguese SDS and the SDS-R assess 1 general domain of sexual distress and showed good evidences of validity based on content and on relations with other variables. Sexual distress was associated with poorer sexual function, satisfaction, and quality of life, with higher psychological distress, and lower dyadic adjustment. Internal consistency and test-retest (1 month) reliabilities were excellent. Tests of differential functioning of items indicated that the SDS and SDS-R scores can be used to compare women and men on sexual distress, but the SDS/SDS-R scores flagged differential functioning of items and test (DFIT) between participants with and without distressing sexual problems. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Clinicians and researchers can now make use of the SDS and of the SDS-R in the Portuguese population, facilitating the assessment of sexual distress in clinical settings. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The Portuguese SDS/SDS-R scores can be compared between women and men, providing information on sexual distress independently of sexual function. With the current evidence, comparisons between individuals with and without distressing sexual problems should be made with caution, as the scores may be biased against the former. CONCLUSION: This study provides a validation of the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R that can be used to assess sexual distress in Portuguese women and men and can be used to compare between these 2 groups. Tavares IM, Santos-Iglesias P, Nobre PJ. Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples. J Sex Med 2022;19:834-845.

Is Expectant Couples' Similarity in Attitudes to Sex during Pregnancy Linked to Their Sexual Well-being? A Dyadic Study with Response Surface Analysis.

Despite sexual activity being safe for the majority of expectant couples (i.e., the pregnant individual and their partner), negative attitudes toward having sex during pregnancy are common and are related to lower sexual well-being across this vulnerable life period. Using dyadic response surface analysis in a sample of 254 first-time expectant couples, we examined the degree to which expectant partners demonstrated similar versus dissimilar attitudes to sex during pregnancy and whether specific patterns of couples' similarity in attitudes may uniquely contribute to their sexual satisfaction and sexual distress. Couples' more positive attitudes (i.e., the more both partners perceived sexual activity as non-threatening to their pregnancy), rather than partners' similarity in attitudes, were associated with lower sexual distress for both partners and higher sexual satisfaction for male partners. In couples where partners held more dissimilar attitudes, men demonstrated greater distress when their female partner's attitudes were more positive than their own. To promote sexual well-being during pregnancy, interventions should assist couples to attain stronger positive attitudes to sex during pregnancy by targeting concerns about sex in both expectant partners.

Adapting to Uncertainty: A Mixed-Method Study on the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Expectant and Postpartum Women and Men.

Detrimental biopsychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations have been established worldwide. Despite research indicating that the transition to parenthood is a vulnerable period for maternal and paternal health, an in-depth examination of the specific challenges the pandemic poses for new mothers and fathers is still lacking. Using a mixed-method design, we investigated individual and relational well-being of women and men who were expecting their first child during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal and its associations with contextual, individual, and relational factors. Adults older than 18 (n = 316, 198 women) from early pregnancy to 6-months postpartum completed a cross-sectional online survey assessing sociodemographic, individual (depression, anxiety, perceived stress), and relational (dyadic adjustment, perceived social support) self-report measures. From those, 99 participants (64 women) responded to an open-ended question and reported perceived changes in their couple's relationship due to the pandemic. Men responding during strict lockdown measures reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress relative to those men who were not under lockdown. Overall, women reported higher levels of depression and greater social support than men. Qualitative analyses resulted in two main themes: Individual Changes and Relational Changes. These themes aggregate personal concerns and experiences (e.g., worsening of mental health, uncertainty about the future, lack of freedom) interrelated with relational issues (e.g., increased togetherness, avoidance of physical contact, and increased availability for parenthood during lockdown). The prevalence of negative effects (58.6%) exceeded the described positive effects (28.3%), and 13.1% described both positive and negative effects of the pandemic. Current findings offer grounds for important evidence-based strategies to mitigate the potential adverse effects of the current pandemic on new mothers' and fathers' individual and relational well-being.

Validation of the Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) in Portugal: Assessing Dyadic Interdependence and Associations with Sexual Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: The Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) are self-report measures of expectant couples' attitudes towards sex during pregnancy. AIM: This study aimed to examine dyadic non-independence of MSP/PSP scores in a sample of expectant couples, while providing an evaluation of factor structure, validity, and reliability of the Portuguese versions of the MSP/PSP. The association between partners' attitudes and frequency of sexual behaviors was also examined. METHODS: A total of 189 expectant couples completed a survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the MSP/PSP, frequency of sexual behaviors, as well as validated measures of attitudes to sex, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, depression, and perceived social support. OUTCOMES: Dyadic interdependence was tested via Pearson correlation between MSP/PSP scores; between-dyads variability was tested via intraclass correlation of the unconditional model including only MSP/PSP scores using a multi-level model. Associations between attitudes and sexual behavior were tested using regression analysis (between-dyads outcomes) or APIM (mixed outcomes). Factor structure, internal consistency, and validity (convergent, discriminant, and concurrent) of the Portuguese versions of the scales were assessed. RESULTS: MSP/PSP scores were interdependent within-dyads. Male partners presented significantly more positive attitudes towards sex during pregnancy than pregnant women. Attitudes were linked to indices of sexual well-being for both partners (sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction) and, for both partners, more positive attitudes were associated with higher frequencies of most partnered sexual behaviors. The Portuguese MSP/PSP scales showed good factor structure, and good to excellent indices of reliability and validity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The Portuguese MSP/PSP is adequate for use in couples. The scales can be used to screen partners with negative attitudes towards sex during pregnancy and evaluate how these attitudes relate to intra- and inter-individual sexual well-being during pregnancy. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: A strength of this study is the inclusion of both expectant partners and the use of dyadic analysis. Couples who participated in the study were all in mixed-gender/sex relationships, although this was not defined as an inclusion criterion. Future studies should use the MSP/PSP in more diverse samples in order to further determine how the scale performs for couples with different characteristics. CONCLUSION: Scores in the MSP/PSP are interdependent between mixed-sex/gender expectant couple members. More positive attitudes towards sex during pregnancy are linked to higher frequencies of partnered sexual behaviors and to both partners' greater sexual well-being. Tavares Inês M., Heiman Julia R., Rosen Natalie O., et al. Validation of the Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) in Portugal: Assessing Dyadic Interdependence and Associations with Sexual Behaviors. J Sex Med Rev 2021;18:789-799.

Cognitive-Affective Factors and Female Orgasm: A Comparative Study on Women With and Without Orgasm Difficulties.

BACKGROUND: Orgasmic difficulties are one of the most common sexual complaints among women. Although models of sexual dysfunction propose that cognitive-affective factors are involved in the development and maintenance of sexual difficulties, there is a need to further examine how these factors are associated with orgasmic difficulties specifically. AIM: To analyze differences between women who reported orgasm difficulties and controls in regard to sexual inhibition, sexual excitation, sexual beliefs, as well as negative automatic thoughts and affect during sexual activity. METHODS: A total of 500 women, aged 18 to 72 years, completed a Web survey focused on cognitive-affective factors and sexual health. Two hundred fifty women reported orgasm difficulties and were compared with 250 age-matched women who reported no sexual difficulties. OUTCOMES: Differences between groups regarding sexual inhibition and sexual excitation (Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form), sexual beliefs (Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire), negative automatic thoughts (Automatic Thoughts Subscale of the Sexual Modes Questionnaire), and affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) during sexual activity. RESULTS: Women with orgasm difficulties scored higher on sexual inhibition than controls. They also reported more negative automatic thoughts during sexual activity (concerning failure and disengagement, sexual abuse, lack of affection from partner, passivity, body image) and less erotic thoughts. Women with orgasm difficulties reported experiencing higher negative affect and lower positive affect during sexual activity than women who reported no sexual difficulties. No significant differences were found regarding sexual excitation and endorsement of sexual beliefs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Helping women shift their focus from non-erotic, negative thoughts to erotic stimuli, as well as addressing sexual inhibition, can be relevant targets of interventions aimed at women's orgasm difficulties. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Strengths of the study include the use of a large sample of women who reported orgasm difficulties, offering new insights into the clinical importance of these psychological processes. Limitations include the reliance on self-report measures and a relatively homogeneous sample regarding sexual orientation, education, and age. CONCLUSION: Results highlight the role of cognitive-affective factors on women's orgasm difficulties and emphasize the potential benefit of cognitive-behavioral and/or mindfulness interventions for orgasm difficulties. Moura CV, Tavares IM, Nobre PJ. Cognitive-Affective Factors and Female Orgasm: A Comparative Study on Women With and Without Orgasm Difficulties. J Sex Med 2020;17:2220-2228.

The Role of Cognitive Processing Factors in Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Women and Men: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive factors are conceptualized as playing a role in maintaining psychological disorders-including sexual dysfunction-by influencing the way in which individuals ascribe meaning, and ultimately respond, to sexual events. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review and integrate the findings from studies on cognitive processing factors and sexual function and dysfunction in women and men. METHODS: A systematic search of major electronic databases was conducted from inception to July 2019 to identify peer-reviewed studies examining cognitive processing factors associated with sexual function and dysfunction. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure was the association of cognitive processing variables with women's and men's sexual function and dysfunction. RESULTS: From 122 studies, 67 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. Studies demonstrated a consistent association between cognitive processing factors and dimensions of sexual functioning in women and men. The main cognitive processing factors associated with sexual functioning include cognitive distraction and attentional focus, automatic thoughts and sexual cognitions, causal attributions to negative sexual events, efficacy expectations, and perceived performance demands. Specific associations between cognitive processing factors and particular male and female sexual dysfunctions were identified and discussed. CONCLUSION: Overall, research supports the critical role of cognitive processing factors in predicting women's and men's sexual (dys)function. Evidence suggests that these dimensions should be systematically addressed during the assessment of sexual dysfunction and one of the main treatment targets of psychological interventions. Tavares IM, Moura CV, Nobre PJ. The Role of Cognitive Processing Factors in Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Women and Men: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2020;8:403-430.

Sexual well-being and perceived stress in couples transitioning to parenthood: A dyadic analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The transition to parenthood encompasses several psychological and relational changes that might contribute to couples' high levels of stress postpartum. Although common across the postpartum, couples' sexual changes are frequently overlooked. METHOD: We surveyed 255 mixed-sex new parent couples to examine the associations between sexual well-being-sexual satisfaction, desire, and postpartum sexual concerns-and perceived stress postpartum. Couples completed self-report questionnaires assessing perceived stress and sexual well-being. RESULTS: For both mothers and fathers, greater sexual satisfaction was associated with their partners' lower perceived stress and, for fathers, this was also associated with their own lower perceived stress. For mothers, greater partner-focused sexual desire was associated with their own lower perceived stress whereas, for fathers, greater partner-focused sexual desire was associated with their partners' higher perceived stress. In addition, greater solitary sexual desire and postpartum sexual concerns were associated with both parents' own higher perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the association between sexual well-being and couples' postpartum stress, suggesting that more positive sexual experiences are linked to lower perceptions of stress across this vulnerable period. Couples' sexual well-being may be an important target for interventions aimed at helping postpartum couples cope with stress.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: La transición a la paternidad implica cambios psicológicos y relacionales que pueden contribuir a niveles de estrés postparto de las parejas. Aunque son comunes en el periodo de posparto, los cambios a nivel sexual de las parejas no se tienen en cuenta habitualmente. MÉTODO: Se examinó la asociación entre bienestar sexual­satisfacción sexual, deseo y preocupaciones sexuales postparto­y estrés percibido postparto en una muestra de 255 parejas de padres recientes. RESULTADOS: En padres y madres, mayor satisfacción sexual se asoció con un menor estrés percibido de sus parejas y, para los padres, también se asoció con su propio menor estrés percibido. Para las madres, un mayor deseo sexual centrado en la pareja se asoció con su menor estrés percibido; para los padres, un mayor deseo sexual centrado en la pareja se asoció con un mayor estrés percibido de las madres. Mayor deseo sexual solitario y más preocupaciones sexuales posparto se asociaron con mayor estrés percibido de ambos padres. CONCLUSIONES: Experiencias sexuales más positivas se asociaron con menor experiencia de estrés en el posparto, por lo que el bienestar sexual puede ser un componente importante para las intervenciones destinadas a ayudar a las parejas a enfrentar el estrés posparto.

Sexual well-being and perceived stress in couples transitioning to parenthood: A dyadic analysis / Bienestar sexual y estrés percibido en parejas en transición a la paternidad: un análisis diádico

Background/Objective: The transition to parenthood encompasses several psychological and relational changes that might contribute to couples’ high levels of stress postpartum. Although common across the postpartum, couples’ sexual changes are frequently overlooked. Method: We surveyed 255 mixed-sex new parent couples to examine the associations between sexual well-being-sexual satisfaction, desire, and postpartum sexual concerns-and perceived stress postpartum. Couples completed self-report questionnaires assessing perceived stress and sexual well-being. Results: For both mothers and fathers, greater sexual satisfaction was associated with their partners’ lower perceived stress and, for fathers, this was also associated with their own lower perceived stress. For mothers, greater partner-focused sexual desire was associated with their own lower perceived stress whereas, for fathers, greater partner-focused sexual desire was associated with their partners' higher perceived stress. In addition, greater solitary sexual desire and postpartum sexual concerns were associated with both parents' own higher perceived stress. Conclusions: This study highlights the association between sexual well-being and couples’ postpartum stress, suggesting that more positive sexual experiences are linked to lower perceptions of stress across this vulnerable period. Couples' sexual well-being may be an important target for interventions aimed at helping postpartum couples cope with stress

Antecedentes/Objetivo: La transición a la paternidad implica cambios psicológicos y relacionales que pueden contribuir a niveles de estrés postparto de las parejas. Aunque son comunes en el periodo de posparto, los cambios a nivel sexual de las parejas no se tienen en cuenta habitualmente. Método: Se examinó la asociación entre bienestar sexual-satisfacción sexual, deseo y preocupaciones sexuales postparto-y estrés percibido postparto en una muestra de 255 parejas de padres recientes. Resultados: En padres y madres, mayor satisfacción sexual se asoció con un menor estrés percibido de sus parejas y, para los padres, también se asoció con su propio menor estrés percibido. Para las madres, un mayor deseo sexual centrado en la pareja se asoció con su menor estrés percibido; para los padres, un mayor deseo sexual centrado en la pareja se asoció con un mayor estrés percibido de las madres. Mayor deseo sexual solitario y más preocupaciones sexuales posparto se asociaron con mayor estrés percibido de ambos padres. Conclusiones: Experiencias sexuales más positivas se asociaron con menor experiencia de estrés en el posparto, por lo que el bienestar sexual puede ser un componente importante para las intervenciones destinadas a ayudar a las parejas a enfrentar el estrés posparto

A review of infrared thermography as applied to human sexual psychophysiology.

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-contact technique that permits mapping and analysis of the temperature of the body's skin surface. This method has been applied to sexual psychophysiology since the 1980s and its use has been expanding ever since, mainly because it provides several advantages over existing genital response measures. This article presents a review of experimental studies employing IRT to investigate human sexual arousal, with the aim of summarizing the available procedures and evidence so far and to identify important caveats in the literature. The studies reviewed support the feasibility and validity of IRT as a real-time physiological measure of sexual arousal but varied substantially regarding methodology and procedures. The results of this review underscore the value and validity of IRT in sexual psychophysiology and point at the critical need for the standardization of IRT protocols to accommodate the specific needs of applying this methodology to sexual physiology.

Sexual Inhibition is a Vulnerability Factor for Orgasm Problems in Women.

BACKGROUND: The differential role of psychological traits in the etiology and maintenance of female orgasm difficulties is yet to be consistently established. AIM: To investigate the contribution of different psychological trait features (personality, sexual inhibition and excitation, and sexual beliefs) to predict female orgasm and to assess the degree to which these dispositional factors moderate the association between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence in a large community sample of Portuguese women. METHODS: 1,002 women (18-72 years, mean age = 26.27, SD = 8.74) completed questionnaires assessing personality traits (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), sexual inhibition and sexual excitation (Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form [SIS/SES]), sexual beliefs (Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire), sexual behavior (frequency of sexual activities and frequency of orgasm occurrence), and social desirability (Socially Desirable Response Set). Hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analyses were conducted while controlling for the effect of covariates such as social desirability, sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and relationship factors. OUTCOMES: The main outcome measurement was orgasm frequency as predicted and moderated by personality, SIS/SES dimensions, and sexual beliefs. RESULTS: Results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated a significant predictive role for sexual inhibition (associated with fear of performance failure [SIS1] and related to the threat of performance consequences) and body image beliefs in female orgasm occurrence. The significant predictive effect of extraversion and of sexual excitation on orgasm frequency ceased to be significant with the insertion of all trait predictors in the final model. Furthermore, SIS1 significantly moderated the relation between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Attention should be given to individual factors impairing orgasmic response in women, particularly sexual inhibition processes. The development of clinical strategies to address and regulate them is recommended. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Although this study investigated a large community sample, this sample was composed of heterosexual, relatively young women and thus generalization of the present results demands some caution. Social desirability was controlled for in the analyses and questionnaires were not collected face to face, which constitutes a strength of this study because social desirability is lower in self-administered online questionnaires compared with paper-and-pencil questionnaires, particularly for more sensitive sexual issues. CONCLUSION: SIS1 was found to be a vulnerability factor for female orgasmic difficulties. Future research should test these findings with different samples, particularly clinical samples of women with orgasmic problems, preferably with the use of longitudinal designs. Tavares IM, Laan ETM, Nobre PJ. Sexual Inhibition is a Vulnerability Factor for Orgasm Problems in Women. J Sex Med 2018;15:361-372.

Cognitive-Affective Dimensions of Female Orgasm: The Role of Automatic Thoughts and Affect During Sexual Activity.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive-affective factors contribute to female sexual dysfunctions, defined as clinically significant difficulties in the ability to respond sexually or to experience sexual pleasure. Automatic thoughts and affect presented during sexual activity are acknowledged as maintenance factors for these difficulties. However, there is a lack of studies on the influence of these cognitive-affective dimensions regarding female orgasm. AIM: To assess the role of automatic thoughts and affect during sexual activity in predicting female orgasm occurrence and to investigate the mediator role of these variables in the relation between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence. METHODS: Nine hundred twenty-six sexually active heterosexual premenopausal women reported on frequency of sexual activities and frequency of orgasm occurrence, cognitive factors, and social desirability. Participants completed the Sexual Modes Questionnaire-Automatic Thoughts Subscale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Socially Desirable Response Set. Multiple linear regressions and mediation analyses were performed, controlling for the effect of covariates such as social desirability, sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and relationship factors. OUTCOMES: The main outcome measurement was orgasm frequency as predicted and mediated by automatic thoughts and affect experienced during sexual activities. RESULTS: The presence of failure thoughts and lack of erotic thoughts during sexual activity significantly and negatively predicted female orgasm, whereas positive affect experienced during sexual activity significantly and positively predicted female orgasm. Moreover, negative automatic thoughts and positive affect during sexual activity were found to mediate the relation between sexual activity and female orgasm occurrence. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These data suggest that the cognitive aspects of sexual involvement are critical to enhancing female orgasm experience and can aid the development of strategies that contemplate the central role of automatic thoughts and of positive emotions experienced during sexual activity. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Data were not collected face to face, which constitutes a strength of this study, because it is known that social desirability is lower in self-administered online questionnaires compared with traditional paper-and-pencil questionnaires, particularly for more sensitive sexual issues. The fact that the sample was composed of heterosexual, premenopausal, and relatively young women demands some caution regarding generalization of the present results. CONCLUSION: The findings support the contribution of cognitive and affective factors to female orgasmic functioning. It is recommended that future research confirm these findings with other samples, particularly clinical samples of women with orgasmic difficulties. Tavares IM, Laan ETM, Nobre PJ. Cognitive-Affective Dimensions of Female Orgasm: The Role of Automatic Thoughts and Affect During Sexual Activity. J Sex Med 2017;14:818-828.