Psychology2016

Psychological Disorders 571

Some sexual dysfunctions stem from physical sources, known organic factors. Others
can be caused by purely sociocultural factors, or psychological factors. However, body and
mind influence each other’s functioning, and these categories are not mutually exclusive
(Lewis et al., 2010).
Organic factors include physical problems such as illnesses, side effects from med-
ication, the effects of surgeries, physical disabilities, and even the use of illegal and legal
drugs, such as cocaine, alcohol, and nicotine. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer,
or strokes also belong in this category of factors.
Sociocultural influences on sexual attitudes and behavior also exist and may be a
source of psychological stress leading to sexual dysfunction. In the United States and
some other Western cultures, people may have experienced instruction from their par-
ents (both direct and indirect teaching) that actually influenced them to form negative
attitudes toward sex and sexual activities, such as masturbation.
Psychological stressors also include individual psychological problems, such as low
self-esteem, anxiety over performance of the sex act, depression, self-consciousness about
one’s body image, anxiety disorders, or a history of previous sexual abuse or assault.
Another source of psychological stress leading to sexual dysfunctions is the relationship
between the two sexual partners. The sexual dysfunction may be only an outward symp-
tom of an underlying problem with the relationship.
For all of the sexual dysfunctions, treatment can include medication, psychother-
apy, hormone therapy, stress reduction, sex therapy, and behavioral training. Still com-
monly used today, Masters and Johnson (1970) recommended a technique called sensate
focus for treatment of premature ejaculation, in which each member of a couple engages
in a series of exercises meant to focus attention on his or her own sensual experiences
during various stages of sexual arousal and activity. Male erectile disorder is now com-
monly treated with drug therapy (Kukula et al., 2014).

There are a variety of drugs aimed at

treating male erectile disorder.

Eating Disorders and Sexual Dysfunction

anorexia nervosa is disordered eating that

results in significantly low body weight

bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binging and use of

unhealthy methods to avoid weight gain; unlike anorexia,

those with bulimia will tend to maintain a normal body weight

binge-eating disorder involves binge-eating similar to bulimia

but individuals do not purge afterwards; weight gain and

related issues may result

prevalence rates across various cultures

eating disorders typically female, obsessed

with appearance, diet

excessively, and have

distorted body images;

biological, psychological,

and cultural factors are likely

sexual dysfunctions

sexual dysfunctions are problems with sexual functioning

or physical aspects of the sex act

causes may be organic (i.e., physical sources or disorders)

or psychogenic (i.e., worry and anxiety)

Concept Map L.O. 14.11, 14.12

Interactive

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