Sex therapists and the problem of sexual desire discrepancy in the relationship
Sex therapists and the problem of sexual desire discrepancy in the relationship
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Grunt-Mejer, Katarzyna
ChaĆska, Weronika
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2025-02-26
Publisher
Journal title
Archives of Sexual Behavior
Issue
Volume
Pages
Pages
ISSN
0004-0002
1573-2800
1573-2800
ISSN of series
Weblink
Access date
2025-03-01
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
This qualitative study investigated the approaches of 46 Polish sex therapists to treating low sexual desire and desire dis-crepancy in couples. Utilizing thematic analysis of in-depth interviews, the study revealed that therapists' interventions were signiïŹcantly shaped by their perspectives on the importance of partnered sex within relationships and the role of non-sexual motivations. Proposed solutions focused mainly on resolving psychological issues related to desire discrepancies, increas-ing one's desire for sex, and increasing the frequency of couple sex. Psychological and behavioral approaches were notably preferred over medical ways of regulating desire level. Certain theoretical concepts (e.g., responsive desire model and psy-chological diïŹerentiation theory) and normative assumptions about sexual autonomy were particularly popular. The study is the ïŹrst to identify therapists' actual ways of thinking about goals and methods of approaching diïŹerences in desire in couples and, as such, can contribute to better integration of theory and practice by identifying scientiïŹc concepts that are particularly useful or problematic for therapists.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Sexual desire
Sexual desire discrepancy
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Sex therapy
DSM-5
Sexual desire discrepancy
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Sex therapy
DSM-5