Sexual Desire Discrepancy: A Position Statement of the European Society for Sexual Medicine

Sexual Medicine - Tập 8 - Trang 121-131 - 2020
Dewitte Marieke1, Carvalho Joana2, Corona Giovanni3, Limoncin Erika4, Pascoal Patricia5,6,7, Reisman Yacov8, Štulhofer Aleksandar9
1Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
2Escola de Psicologia e Ciências da Vida, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
3Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
4Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
5CICPSI, Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, Lisboa, Portugal
6Universidade Lusófona, Escola de Psicologia e Ciências da Vida, Lisboa, Portugal
7Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação & CPUP, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
8Health Clinic, Amstelland Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
9Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia

Tóm tắt

Abstract Introduction There is a lack of theoretical and empirical knowledge on how sexual desire functions and interacts in a relationship. Aim To present an overview of the current conceptualization and operationalization of sexual desire discrepancy (SDD), providing clinical recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine. Methods A comprehensive Pubmed, Web of Science, Medline, and Cochrane search was performed. Consensus was guided by a critical reflection on selected literature on SDD and by interactive discussions between expert psychologists, both clinicians and researchers. Main Outcome Measure Several aspects have been investigated including the definition and operationalization of SDD and the conditions under which treatment is required. Results Because the literature on SDD is scarce and complicated, it is precocious to make solid statements on SDD. Hence, no recommendations as per the Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria were possible. However, specific statements on this topic, summarizing the ESSM position, were provided. This resulted in an opnion-based rather than evidence-based position statement. Following suggestions were made on how to treat couples who are distressed by SDD: (i) normalize and depathologize variation in sexual desire; (ii) educate about the natural course of sexual desire; (iii) emphasize the dyadic, age-related, and relative nature of SDD; (iv) challenge the myth of spontaneous sexual desire; (v) promote open sexual communication; (vi) assist in developing joint sexual scripts that are mutually satisfying in addition to search for personal sexual needs; (vii) deal with relationship issues and unmet relationship needs; and (viii) stimulate self-differentiation. Conclusion More research is needed on the conceptualization and underlying mechanisms of SDD to develop clinical guidelines to treat couples with SDD.

Tài liệu tham khảo

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