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Immature psychological defense mechanisms are associated with women's greater desire for and actual engaging in masturbation
Abstract
Previous research found that frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) is associated with better health and satisfaction (sexual, relationship, life, mental health), with some opposite effects for masturbation (even when controlling for partnered sexual activity frequency). Previous research also found that depressed women have a greater desire to masturbate (but not to engage in PVI) than non-depressed women. Thus, we sought to examine if such associations might be due to a characterological issue. Immature psychological defense mechanisms indicate impaired characterological function, and are associated with specific sexual impairments. A sample of 132 women reported their frequencies of various sexual activities, and completed the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and a measure of social desirability responding. Multivariate analyses indicated that immature defense mechanisms are independently associated with (1) greater frequency of engaging in masturbation (beta = .50), younger age, and lower social desirability scores; and (2) greater frequency of desire to engage in masturbation (beta = .48), lesser frequency of desire to engage in PVI (beta = −.21), and younger age. The results should inform the practice of sex education, sex therapy, and understanding of the roles of personality, mood, and sexual behaviors.
... Brody and Costa (2008) and Brody et al. (2010) showed that difficulty in having a vaginal orgasm is correlated to immature defense mechanisms and penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) was allied with more tactile sensitivity and less use of maladaptive defensive styles such as immature defenses. Brody and Nicholson (2013) concluded that immature defenses are related to specific sexual impairments. They indicated that immature defenses are accompanied by more frequency of intrigue in masturbation, and a lesser number of appeals to PVI in females. ...
... These results conform to the predictions of conceptualizations in defense mechanisms (Cabaniss et al., 2016;Freud, 1962;Gabbard, 2017). Also, these findings are compatible with the literature that demonstrated mature, immature, and neurotic defense mechanisms are linked to different aspects of marital conflict (Farazi et al., 2021;Levite & Cohen, 2012;Nasershariati, 2022;Pirsaghi et al., 2015;Sivandian & Besharat, 2019;Soldz & Vaillant, 1998;Stevenson & Hiebert, 2021) and sexual dysfunctions (Brody & Costa, 2008;Brody et al., 2010;Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Costa et al., 2019;Erdogan et al., 2022;Gouvernet et al., 2020). Because of sociocultural barriers behind such problems in society, this study suggests that when a female encounters marital conflicts and sexual dysfunctions using immature and neurotic defensive mechanisms can help her to resolve and tolerate these painful experiences. ...
... Therefore, all observed components of defense mechanisms have direct and indirect effects through the mediation of alexithymia on marital conflicts and female sexual dysfunctions. These findings are consistent with the predictions of conceptualizations and evidence in the field of the defense mechanism (Cabaniss et al., 2016;Freud, 1962;Gabbard, 2017), alexithymia (Dincer et al., 2021;Falahati & Mohammadi, 2020;Lumley et al., 2007;Sifneos, 1973Sifneos, , 2000Zanganeh Motlag et al., 2017) and their potential roles in marital conflicts (Abbasi et al., 2018;Aghighi et al., 2021;Farazi et al., 2021;Levite & Cohen, 2012;Nasershariati, 2022;Pirsaghi et al., 2015;Sivandian & Besharat, 2019;Soldz & Vaillant, 1998;Stevenson & Hiebert, 2021) and sexual dysfunctions (Berenguer et al., 2019;Brody & Costa, 2008;Brody et al., 2010;Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Ciocca et al., 2013;Costa et al., 2019;Erdogan et al., 2022;Gouvernet et al., 2020). The over-application of maladaptive defense mechanisms and alexithymia as two inefficient procedures with stressors and adverse situations probably predispose females to higher marital conflicts and sexual dysfunctions. ...
This study examined the influence of defense mechanisms and alexithymia on marital conflict and sexual dysfunction using structural equation modeling (SEM) in women. A clinical sample of 342 participants was selected using a purposive sampling as part of a descriptive design. The data was collected using the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (FTAS-20, the Kansas Marital Conflict Scale (KMCS), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The analysis found that defense mechanisms had a significantly direct influence on alexithymia, and defense mechanisms and alexithymia have significantly direct impacts on marital conflict and sexual dysfunctions. Defense mechanisms with the mediator role of alexithymia explained 72.6% of marital conflict and 75.5% of sexual dysfunction variations in females. Also, marital conflict indicated a significant positive relationship with sexual dysfunctions in married females. This study has shown a fitted SEM for the direct and indirect effects of defense mechanisms on marital conflicts and sexual dysfunctions concerning the mediator role of alexithymia in females. These results have practical implications for psychotherapeutic intervention and community-based programs among females affected by marital conflict.
... Psychologically, studies indicate an association of masturbation with depression (Cyranowski et al. 2004;Driemeyer et al. 2018;, anxiety (Corona et al. 2010;Carvalheira and Leal 2013;Castellini et al. 2016;Jiao, Chen and Niu 2019), immature defenses Brody 2008, 2010;Brody and Nicholson 2013), and hypersexuality (Driemeyer et al. 2018), especially in frequent masturbators who may have an element of compulsion. ...
... 1. Masturbation is Regressive: It is an immature defense against anxiety, usually social or interpersonal anxiety, in that sex is naturally meant to bring us into relationship with another person. These contentions are supported by the relationship between masturbation and immature defenses Brody 2008, 2010;Brody and Nicholson 2013;Brody, Costa, and Hess 2013) and free-floating anxiety (Corona et al. 2010;Castellini et al. 2016;Jiao, Chen and Niu 2019). For a man, sex is a challenge to relate to a woman (and a woman to a man) and to learn the sometimes difficult and complex skills that this involves. ...
Masturbation is common and generally accepted in Western society as a normal, healthy activity. In contrast, the Catholic Church holds that masturbation is immoral. Noting that the human person is a profound unity of body and spirit, if the Church is correct, masturbation should have negative effects on the human person. If the secular view is correct, masturbation should have conversely positive effects. This paper is divided into three parts. An in-depth literature survey was performed to evaluate the physical, medical, psychological, sociological and spiritual correlates of masturbation. The second part is a theological summary of the Catholic understanding of masturbation. The third part is an approach to therapy. Physically masturbation was found to be less sexually satisfying than intercourse. Medical complications include penile injury and self-asphyxial behavior. Psychologically masturbation was found to be associated with depression, anxiety, immature defenses, hypersexuality, guilt, poor body self-image and stress in the workplace. Sociologically most studies indicate a negative correlation between masturbation and relationship satisfaction, quality, intimacy, relational happiness, emotional satisfaction with the partner, trust, passion, and love. Spiritually masturbation is highly positively correlated with pornography consumption and negatively with religion and religiosity. There is a higher rate of masturbation in homosexuals and bisexuals than in heterosexuals. Theologically, masturbation and pornography directly violate the religious virtue of chastity, undermining one's prayer life and the motivation to develop a spiritual life. Therapeutically, positive psychology, which emphasizes cultivating what it identifies as virtues, including justice, courage, temperance, wisdom (similar to prudence), transcendence (similar to hope) and humanity (similar to charity), can be used to counsel individuals struggling with masturbation. Once the harms are understood, a person can be counseled that this temptation represents a challenge, an opportunity to build self-control, and with self-control the capacity to develop character strengths and major virtues.
... Com relação à associação entre os estilos defensivos e o funcionamento sexual, encontra-se na literatura estudos que abordam comportamentos sexuais e não às etapas do funcionamento em si. Nessas investigações, as defesas imaturas estão relacionadas a um maior consumo de álcool antes de relações sexuais (Costa & Brody, 2010), menor obtenção de orgasmos vaginais em mulheres (Brody, Houde, & Hess, 2010;Brody & Costa, 2005;Costa & Brody, 2010) e maior vontade e frequência em ter comportamentos masturbatórios (Brody & Nicholson, 2013). ...
... Este resultado pode ser explicado também através do modo como a utilização de defesas imaturas está associada ao comprometimento sexual, como mostrado nos estudos de Brody e colaboradores, os quais analisaram a relação entre o estilo defensivo imaturo e alguns comportamentos sexuais em duas populações, nomeadamente em mulheres portuguesas e escocesas. Nesses estudos, foi encontrado que a maior utilização de defesas imaturas está relacionada a menos orgasmos vaginais em mulheres , a maior vontade e frequência de comportamentos masturbatórios (Brody & Nicholson, 2013) e consumo de álcool antes do sexo (Costa & Brody, 2010), os quais podem contribuir para um menor funcionamento sexual nesse grupo. ...
RESUMO: Esse estudo teve como principal objetivo avaliar a relação entre os estilos defensivos e o funcionamento sexual. O delineamento do estudo foi descritivo, transversal, correlacional e contou com 1170 participantes, de nacionalidades portuguesa e brasileira, dentre os quais 359 (30,7%) são homens e 801 (68,5%) são mulheres com idades entre 18 e 81 anos (M = 28,9; DP = 11,9). Os resultados apontaram correlações positivas entre os níveis de defesa maduro e o funcionamento sexual, satisfação com a vida, felicidade geral e saúde. O estilo imaturo esteve correlacionado negativamente com essas mesmas variáveis, enquanto o funcionamento sexual manteve correlação positiva. Os resultados foram corroborados pela literatura, que aponta a relação entre o uso de defesas maduras e um melhor funcionamento sexual e em outras áreas da vida. Por fim, salientou-se a necessidade de mais investigações que abordem os estilos defensivos e o funcionamento sexual. Palavras-Chave: estilos defensivos, mecanismos de defesa, funcionamento sexual. DEFENSIVE STYLES AND SEXUAL FUNCTIONING IN ADULTS ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the interface between defensive styles and sexual functioning. The study design was descriptive, transversal, correlational and counted with 1170 participants, of Portuguese and Brazilian nationalities, among whom 359 are men (30.7%) and 801 (68.5%) are women aged between 18 and 81 years (M = 28.9, SD = 11.9). The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ). The results point to positive correlations between levels of defense and sexual performance, satisfaction with life, general happiness and health. The style was negatively correlated with these variables, while the sexual control was maintained positive. The results were corroborated by the literature, which points out a relationship between the use of mature defenses and a better sexual functioning and in other areas of life. Finally, the need to investigate the relationship between defensive styles and sexual functioning was better explained. In addition to the article, this project has a theoretical annex where all the constructs addressed are elaborated in order to deepen and consolidate the theoretical foundations of the presente empirical article.
... Studies have found that depression is associated with masturbation in women and that women with a history of depression have a greater desire to masturbate (but not a greater desire to have penile-vaginal intercourse) than do women without a history of depression [68]. In a sample of mostly British women, poorer emotion regulation traits (use of immature psychological defense mechanisms) were associated with greater frequency of engaging in masturbation, greater frequency of desire to engage in masturbation, and lesser frequency of desire to engage in penile-vaginal intercourse [68]. ...
... Studies have found that depression is associated with masturbation in women and that women with a history of depression have a greater desire to masturbate (but not a greater desire to have penile-vaginal intercourse) than do women without a history of depression [68]. In a sample of mostly British women, poorer emotion regulation traits (use of immature psychological defense mechanisms) were associated with greater frequency of engaging in masturbation, greater frequency of desire to engage in masturbation, and lesser frequency of desire to engage in penile-vaginal intercourse [68]. ...
The issues to be considered and approaches to be used in the evaluation of female orgasmic disorder are presented in the context of research evidence and best clinical practice. The sections in this chapter include epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, DSM-5 and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, and approach to diagnosis (including diagnostic scales and issues to be considered during the clinical interview). Psychological, behavioral, interpersonal, pharmacological, and physiological factors related to female orgasmic disorder are reviewed. The psychological and behavioral issues include family and other developmental and experiential factors, exercise, personality traits, attachment, psychopathology, intimate relationship function, specifics of sexual behaviors, mental focus during sexual activity, specifics of sex education, and partner characteristics including partner sexual function. The physiological factors reviewed include prenatal factors, age, nutrition and substance use, medical conditions and treatments, hormonal influences, autonomic tone, muscle tone, and both peripheral and central neurophysiological pathways. The problem of fluctuating diagnostic criteria is addressed, and the issue of whether a distress criterion scientifically or clinically merits being a requirement for the diagnosis of female orgasmic disorder is evaluated. The evidence for differences between orgasm triggers (including the special psychological, physiological, and interpersonal aspects of vaginal orgasm) is presented. The implications of the process of evaluation of female orgasmic disorder for its treatment formulation are also presented.
... For measuring desire, participants were asked to report the number of days in the past month they desired to engage in the following sexual behaviors: penile-vaginal intercourse (henceforth, intercourse), noncoital sex without same-day intercourse, and masturbating alone (Brody & Nicholson, 2013). For measuring sexual frequency, participants were asked to report the number of days in the past month they actually did engage in those behaviors (Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Costa & Brody, 2008). ...
... For measuring desire, participants were asked to report the number of days in the past month they desired to engage in the following sexual behaviors: penile-vaginal intercourse (henceforth, intercourse), noncoital sex without same-day intercourse, and masturbating alone (Brody & Nicholson, 2013). For measuring sexual frequency, participants were asked to report the number of days in the past month they actually did engage in those behaviors (Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Costa & Brody, 2008). ...
Self-forgetfulness is a facet of self-transcendence characterized by tendency to experience altered states of consciousness. We examined associations of self-forgetfulness with sexual desire and frequency. 261 Portuguese completed the self-forgetfulness subscale of the Temperament and Character Inventory - Revised, a measure of openness to experience, and a questionnaire on desired and actual frequency of vaginal intercourse, noncoital sex, and masturbation in the past month. In simple and partial correlations controlling for openness to experience and relationship status, women's self-forgetfulness correlated with desired frequency of intercourse and noncoital sex. For men, self-forgetfulness correlated with actual frequency of intercourse and noncoital sex.
... The association of measures of better relationship function and sexual satisfaction with specifically PVI frequency (as opposed to frequency of other sexual behaviors) is consistent with the literature on psychological and psychophysiological differences between sexual behaviors [1][2][3]5,6,15,29,[42][43][44][45]. Similarly, the association of measures of better relationship function and satisfaction with specifically VOC (as opposed to other triggers of women's orgasm) is consistent with the literature on psychological and psychophysiological differences between sexual behaviors [1,3,6,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][46][47][48][49][50][51][52]. Even the original Kinsey data revealed that "marital happiness" was associated with female coital orgasm [53]. ...
... The association of women's masturbation with poorer function is also consistent with previous intimate relationship and psychophysiological research (including in studies controlling for other sexual behaviors) [1][2][3]10,44]. It is likely that rather than enhancing sexual function, masturbation might undermine PVI and intimate relationship quality [1,3,47,49]. Higher masturbation frequency could also indicate that the sexual contact with her partner is unsatisfactory for her. ...
IntroductionResearch indicated that (i) vaginal orgasm consistency is associated with indices of psychological, intimate relationship, and physiological functioning, and (ii) masturbation is adversely associated with some such measures.AimThe aim of this study was to examine the association of various dyadic and masturbation behavior frequencies and percentage of female orgasms during these activities with: (i) measures of dyadic adjustment; (ii) sexual satisfaction; and (iii) compatibility perceived by both partners.Methods
In a sample of 85 Czech long-term couples (aged 20–40; mean relationship length 5.4 years), both partners provided details of recent sexual behaviors and completed sexual satisfaction, Spanier dyadic adjustment, and Hurlbert sexual compatibility measures. Multiple regression analyses were used.Main Outcome MeasureThe association of sexual behaviors with dyadic adjustment, sexual compatibility, and satisfaction was analyzed.ResultsIn multivariate analyses, women's dyadic adjustment is independently predicted by greater vaginal orgasm consistency and lower frequency of women's masturbation. For both sexes, sexual compatibility was independently predicted by higher frequency of penile–vaginal intercourse and greater vaginal orgasm consistency. Women's sexual satisfaction score was significantly predicted by greater vaginal orgasm consistency, frequency of partner genital stimulation, and negatively with masturbation. Men's sexual satisfaction score was significantly predicted by greater intercourse frequency and any vaginal orgasm of their female partners. Concordance of partner vaginal orgasm consistency estimates was associated with greater dyadic adjustment.Conclusions
The findings suggest that specifically penile–vaginal intercourse frequency and vaginal orgasm consistency are associated with indices of greater intimate relationship adjustment, satisfaction, and compatibility of both partners, and that women's masturbation is independently inversely associated with measures of dyadic and personal function. Results are discussed in light of previous research and an evolutionary theory of vaginal orgasm. Klapilová K, Brody S, Krejčová L, Husárová B, and Binter J. Sexual satisfaction, sexual compatibility, and relationship adjustment in couples: The role of sexual behaviors, orgasm, and men's discernment of women's intercourse orgasm. J Sex Med **;**:**–**.
... Lastly, the frequency of masturbation correlated significantly with trait anxiety and depression in a sample of 96 women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome in Poland (Glowinska et al., 2020). Thus, some scholars argue that masturbation increases negative feelings, which is why it should be considered problematic and harmful (Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Castellini et al., 2016). An alternative explanation for these findings is that masturbation might function as a reliable form of self-soothing behavior during times of stress (Brotto et al., 2010;Frohlich & Meston, 2002;Maatouk et al., 2022;Rowland et al., 2020). ...
... Lastly, the frequency of masturbation correlated significantly with trait anxiety and depression in a sample of 96 women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome in Poland (Glowinska et al., 2020). Thus, some scholars argue that masturbation increases negative feelings, which is why it should be considered problematic and harmful (Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Castellini et al., 2016). An alternative explanation for these findings is that masturbation might function as a reliable form of self-soothing behavior during times of stress (Brotto et al., 2010;Frohlich & Meston, 2002;Maatouk et al., 2022;Rowland et al., 2020). ...
Even though poor mental health is commonly associated with impaired sexual function, studies have found increased rates of masturbation in women with symptoms of depression and anxiety. This study hypothesizes that female masturbation is associated with psychological strain and functions as a reliable form of self-soothing behavior. Data forms part of a study on female sexuality using a cross-sectional multi-method design with 513 women (M = 25.89 years, SD = 5.60). Bootstrap regression analysis with psychological strain as the dependent and masturbation frequency as the independent variable was performed. Qualitative data was analyzed using Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA). Greater psychological strain predicted higher masturbation frequency using clitoral but not clitoral and vaginal stimulation. Qualitative data revealed that masturbation was reported as a means to deal with stress, to feel relaxed, to help with pain and falling asleep. This study provides evidence for masturbation as a behavioral coping skill in women.
... The long history of stigma and association of masturbation with negative outcomes has been reflected in the extant literature. Research has found associations between masturbation and negative outcomes, such as depression (Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Frohlich & Meston, 2002) and guilt (Bowman, 2014;Carvalheira & Leal, 2013). Bowman (2014) and Carvalheira and Leal (2013) found that women commonly reported shame or guilt as an emotional reaction to their masturbation, resulting in a decreased likelihood of positive physical and psychological outcomes associated with masturbation (Davidson & Darling, 1993). ...
... The long history of stigma and association of masturbation with negative outcomes has been reflected in the extant literature. Research has found associations between masturbation and negative outcomes, such as depression (Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Frohlich & Meston, 2002) and guilt (Bowman, 2014;Carvalheira & Leal, 2013). Bowman (2014) and Carvalheira and Leal (2013) found that women commonly reported shame or guilt as an emotional reaction to their masturbation, resulting in a decreased likelihood of positive physical and psychological outcomes associated with masturbation (Davidson & Darling, 1993). ...
... The individual psychological defense mechanisms of early childhood trauma identified in the literature are most often referred to as immature defenses, including, but not limited to, denial, projection, dissociation, displacement, autistic fantasy, and isolation of affect (Brody & Nicholson, 2013) and somatization and alexithymia (Busch, 2014). To treat and manage these clients, the recommended duration of treatment is a long-term endeavor needing the empathy of the therapist and perseverance of the client (Berney, de Roten, Beretta, Kramer, & Despland, 2014;Perry, Presniak, & Olson, 2013). ...
Purpose:
A depth psychotherapy process is a deepening of experience facilitating access into a fortress of body and mind defenses that aims to protect although may imprison the adult survivor of early childhood trauma.
Conclusions:
When psychotherapy moves beyond managing manifest symptoms and behavior, individuals have an opportunity to connect with their authentic self and experience wholeness in their personality and relationships.
Practice implications:
A theoretical and practical approach including the therapeutic frame, therapeutic alliance, and body psychotherapy attempts to collaborate with a fortress to encourage its cooperation in the release of its captive.
... Indeed, greater TCI-measured self-transcendence was related to greater tendency to dissociation in a sample of psychiatric patients and healthy subjects (Grabe, Spitzer, & Juergen Freyberger, 1999), as well as to more use of immature (maladaptive) defense mechanisms in alcoholdependent and heroin-dependent inpatients (Evren, Cagil et al., 2012;Evren, Ozcetinkaya et al., 2012). In women, immature defenses (including dissociation and autistic fantasy) were associated with lower desire for intercourse and lesser intercourse orgasm capacity Brody, Houde, & Hess, 2010;Brody & Nicholson, 2013;Costa & Brody, 2010. However, immature defenses were related to higher desire during solitary sexual fantasies, an association independent of risk of low desire for a partner . ...
One facet of self-transcendence is creative self-forgetfulness (CSF; tendency to be attentionally absorbed in mind-altering experiences). Proneness to mind-altering attentional absorption and other aspects of self-transcendence were previously related to vaginal intercourse frequency, sexual arousability, and female coital orgasm. Given that sexual responsiveness is enhanced by focused attention, it was tested whether CSF correlates with sexual responsiveness, and if maladaptive defenses, openness to experience, and testosterone explain the hypothesized relationships. One hundred thirty-nine Portuguese (98 women) provided saliva samples for testosterone determination by luminescence immunoassays before and after a romantic movie scene and reported how intensely they felt sexual desire and arousal during the movie. CSF was measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory–Revised, maladaptive defenses by the immature defenses subscale of the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), male and female past month desire by the desire dimensions of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Female desire and arousal during the movie were independently predicted by CSF, openness to experience and testosterone, but not by immature defenses. Female past month desire was independently predicted by CSF, testosterone, and less immature defenses. Possible psychobiological processes linking self-transcendence and sexual responsiveness are discussed.
In order to investigate the association between masturbation and psychopathological and reproduction relative conditions, an online survey was conducted among campus male students of Zhejiang University, which comprised of basic personal information, and questions for reproduction related health, masturbation frequency, and psychological well-being. Psychological status was evaluated with Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ). The psychological and reproduction health related parameters were compared among the groups divided according to masturbation frequency. Finally 143 students were included in analysis. Floating anxiety, somatic, and hysteric scores were significantly associated with masturbation, with higher scores in group with highest masturbation frequency; masturbation is significantly associated with fatigue, soreness and weakness of the lumbar region, memory decline, immunity decline, insomnia dreaminess and gradual increase of frequency of masturbation, and the rates of most of the reproduction related symptoms increased accompanying the increase of the masturbation frequency. MQH scores of obsession, phobic anxiety, and depression were not associated with masturbation. It was concluded that masturbation may adversely affect psychological health as well as reproductive well-being.
Neuropsychoanalytic theories view maladaptive defense mechanisms as disturbances of brain regions or networks implicated in emotional awareness, which is consistent with maladaptive defenses being automatic processes to cope with stressors by avoiding the awareness of disturbing emotions. Freud proposed that defenses against sexual drives were used in varying degrees with negative consequences on sex life, which is congruent with maladaptive defenses being related to lower desire for vaginal intercourse. The present study examined the relationships between low desire, maladaptive defenses, and decoupling of testosterone (T; a hormonal index of sexual desire) from reported desire. Sixty-eight Portuguese women provided a saliva sample before and 15 minutes after an induction of sexual fantasy, and reported how much sexual desire they felt while fantasizing. Maladaptive defenses were measured by the immature defenses subscale of the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). Past month desire was assessed by the desire domain of the Female Sexual Function Index. Luminescence immunoassays were used for determining salivary T. Decoupling of T from desire was calculated by the absolute value of the subtraction of the standardized scores of both measures. In partial correlations controlling for social desirability and oral contraception, maladaptive defenses correlated with discordance between basal T and fantasy-induced desire, discordance between basal T and past month desire, and complaints of low desire. In a backward multiple regression, discordance between T and past month desire explained the association between maladaptive defenses and complaints of low desire. Implications for future neuropsychoanalytic studies of defense mechanisms and libido are discussed.
Contexte
Le concept de mécanisme de défense (MD) remonte aux fondements de la psychanalyse et en constitue un des piliers théoriques. Plus récemment, en raison de l'introduction de cette notion dans une rubrique expérimentale des classifications catégorielles, les MD sont devenus un nouveau champ à explorer dans le domaine de la recherche et de la communication scientifique. L'augmentation du nombre d'études prenant en compte les MD est allée de pair avec l'élaboration d'échelles d'évaluation clinique plus utilisables que les tests projectifs. Il n'existe à notre connaissance aucune analyse comparative de ces outils.
Objectif
Nous décrivons dans un premier temps le mode d'utilisation et les qualités métrologiques des échelles les plus récentes. Nous proposons ensuite les avantages et les limites de ces instruments d'évaluation clinique. Ce travail vise à aider les cliniciens chercheurs dans le choix de l'outil le plus adapté à leur protocole.
Méthode
Nous présentons les outils suivants au moyen d'une revue de la documentation: Defense Mechanism Inventory, Defense Mechanism Profile, Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), Defense Mechanism Rating Scale, Life Style Index, Response Evaluation Measure.
Conclusion
L'utilisation des échelles cliniques comprend de nombreuses limites liées au concept de MD. Néanmoins, leur faisabilité et leur validité en justifient l'emploi. Les avantages du DSQ ressortent du fait de ses nombreuses qualités; néanmoins les spécificités des autres instruments restent à considérer en fonction des protocoles envisagés.
There is general agreement that it is possible to have an orgasm thru the direct simulation of the external clitoris. In contrast, the possibility of achieving climax during penetration has been controversial.
Six scientists with different experimental evidence debate the existence of the vaginally activated orgasm (VAO).
To give reader of The Journal of Sexual Medicine sufficient data to form her/his own opinion on an important topic of female sexuality.
Expert #1, the Controversy's section Editor, together with Expert #2, reviewed data from the literature demonstrating the anatomical possibility for the VAO. Expert #3 presents validating women's reports of pleasurable sexual responses and adaptive significance of the VAO. Echographic dynamic evidence induced Expert # 4 to describe one single orgasm, obtained from stimulation of either the external or internal clitoris, during penetration. Expert #5 reviewed his elegant experiments showing the uniquely different sensory responses to clitoral, vaginal, and cervical stimulation. Finally, the last Expert presented findings on the psychological scenario behind VAO.
The assumption that women may experience only the clitoral, external orgasm is not based on the best available scientific evidence.
The projection of vagina, uterine cervix, and nipple to the sensory cortex in humans has not been reported.
The aim of this study was to map the sensory cortical fields of the clitoris, vagina, cervix, and nipple, toward an elucidation of the neural systems underlying sexual response.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we mapped sensory cortical responses to clitoral, vaginal, cervical, and nipple self-stimulation. For points of reference on the homunculus, we also mapped responses to the thumb and great toe (hallux) stimulation.
The main outcome measures used for this study were the fMRI of brain regions activated by the various sensory stimuli.
Clitoral, vaginal, and cervical self-stimulation activated differentiable sensory cortical regions, all clustered in the medial cortex (medial paracentral lobule). Nipple self-stimulation activated the genital sensory cortex (as well as the thoracic) region of the homuncular map.
The genital sensory cortex, identified in the classical Penfield homunculus based on electrical stimulation of the brain only in men, was confirmed for the first time in the literature by the present study in women applying clitoral, vaginal, and cervical self-stimulation, and observing their regional brain responses using fMRI. Vaginal, clitoral, and cervical regions of activation were differentiable, consistent with innervation by different afferent nerves and different behavioral correlates. Activation of the genital sensory cortex by nipple self-stimulation was unexpected, but suggests a neurological basis for women's reports of its erotogenic quality.
Although many studies examine purported risks associated with sexual activities, few examine potential physical and mental health benefits, and even fewer incorporate the scientifically essential differentiation of specific sexual behaviors.
This review provides an overview of studies examining potential health benefits of various sexual activities, with a focus on the effects of different sexual activities.
Review of peer-reviewed literature.
Findings on the associations between distinct sexual activities and various indices of psychological and physical function.
A wide range of better psychological and physiological health indices are associated specifically with penile-vaginal intercourse. Other sexual activities have weaker, no, or (in the cases of masturbation and anal intercourse) inverse associations with health indices. Condom use appears to impair some benefits of penile-vaginal intercourse. Only a few of the research designs allow for causal inferences.
The health benefits associated with specifically penile-vaginal intercourse should inform a new evidence-based approach to sexual medicine, sex education, and a broad range of medical and psychological consultations.
This study explored differences in defense use between a group of predominantly African American women diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD; n = 20) and a healthy control sample (n = 20), both from a primary care medical clinic. Patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire to assess DSM-IV diagnoses and underwent video-recorded interviews, which were assessed for defenses using the Defensive Functioning Scale from the DSM-IV. Groups were compared for differences in overall defensive functioning, defense levels, and individual defenses using independent samples t tests. Results showed that the MDD group scored higher on mental inhibition, minor image distorting, and major image distorting defense levels as well as the individual defenses devaluation, dissociation, and isolation. The control group scored higher on the overall defensive functioning and the individual defense anticipation. The results also showed a trend toward the MDD group scoring higher on the disavowal defense level and the individual defense splitting.
This article presents the development of a brief, self-report measure of female sexual function. Initial face validity testing of questionnaire items, identified by an expert panel, was followed by a study aimed at further refining the questionnaire. It was administered to 131 normal controls and 128 age-matched subjects with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) at five research centers. Based on clinical interpretations of a principal components analysis, a 6-domain structure was identified, which included desire, subjective arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Overall test-retest reliability coefficients were high for each of the individual domains (r = 0.79 to 0.86) and a high degree of internal consistency was observed (Cronbach's alpha values of 0.82 and higher) Good construct validity was demonstrated by highly significant mean difference scores between the FSAD and control groups for each of the domains (p < or = 0.001). Additionally, divergent validity with a scale of marital satisfaction was observed. These results support the reliability and psychometric (as well as clinical) validity of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in the assessment of key dimensions of female sexual function in clinical and nonclinical samples. Our findings also suggest important gender differences in the patterning of female sexual function in comparison with similar questionnaire studies in males.
We conducted an exploratory study comparing 47 college-aged women reporting depressive symptoms but not receiving antidepressant medication to 47 age-matched controls. We examined various dimensions of sexual functioning, including sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, pleasure, and satisfaction. The women with depressive symptoms reported more inhibited sexual arousal, more inhibited orgasm, more sexual pain problems, and less sexual satisfaction and pleasure than control participants. Novel to this study, the women with depressive symptoms reported greater desire for sexual activity alone (masturbation) than the nondepressed women. The findings are discussed in terms of primary reinforcers and depressive symptomology.
Defense styles may discriminate between depressed patients with or without recent suicide attempts. The aim of the present study was to identify which defense mechanisms are associated with recent suicide attempts in depression. The Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) was rated at admission by 156 depressed inpatients with (n = 60) or without (n = 96) recent suicide attempt. Depression intensity was correlated negatively with mature style, humor and sublimation and positively with projection. Although it was not significantly different in terms of sociodemographic and depression variables, recent suicide attempters had higher scores on immature style, especially acting out, passive agression, autistic fantasy and projection. Prospective assessment of defense styles and suicide attempts should be carried out to determine whether these differences are a cause of imminent suicide attempts in depression. If so, the DSQ may be used in clinical practice to help discriminate depressed patients with high risk of imminent suicide attempt.
The study investigates prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD), sexual satisfaction and their correlates in the rural female population in China. An anonymous cross-sectional study was carried out in a random sample of 1178 married of age 20-39 years in Dengfeng County, Henan, China. The prevalence of having at least one SD was 43 and 38% of the respondents were satisfied with their sexual life; 64.0% thought that sex was not important to them; and 85.7% believed that they do not have adequate sex-related knowledge. Having SD and high sexual satisfaction were associated with high mental health or vitality quality of life scores and better perceived health status. Other independent predictors of SD included sociodemographic variables, biological variables, life style factors and masturbation. It is concluded that SD was prevalent among the studied women and were associated with mental health. The sexual health among married women needs to be improved in rural China.
Research indicates that prolactin increases following orgasm are involved in a feedback loop that serves to decrease arousal through inhibitory central dopaminergic and probably peripheral processes. The magnitude of post-orgasmic prolactin increase is thus a neurohormonal index of sexual satiety. Using data from three studies of men and women engaging in masturbation or penile-vaginal intercourse to orgasm in the laboratory, we report that for both sexes (adjusted for prolactin changes in a non-sexual control condition), the magnitude of prolactin increase following intercourse is 400% greater than that following masturbation. The results are interpreted as an indication of intercourse being more physiologically satisfying than masturbation, and discussed in light of prior research reporting greater physiological and psychological benefits associated with coitus than with any other sexual activities.
The defense mechanisms (DM) concept goes back to the foundation of psychoanalysis and is one of its theoretical cornerstones. Recently, with the introduction of this notion in an experimental item of categorical classification, DMs have become a new field in research and scientific communication. The increasing number of studies taking DMs into account matches the development of clinical evaluation scales that are easier to use than projective tests. To our knowledge, there is no comparative analysis of these tools.
We aimed first to describe the operating mode and metrological qualities of the most recent scales and then to highlight the benefits and limitations of these clinical evaluation tools. Finally, this article aims to help clinicians choose a tool that is most convenient for their protocol.
We introduce the following tools through a literature review: Defense Mechanism Inventory, Defense Mechanism Profile, Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), Defense Mechanism Rating Scale, Life Style Index, and Response Evaluation Measure.
Using clinical scales includes many limitations associated with the DM concept. Nevertheless, their feasibility and validity warrant their use. The DSQ stands out for its many qualities, but the other tools specificities are yet to be considered in regard to the chosen protocols.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the defense mechanisms used by depressive and anxious patients without comorbidities compared to those used by controls and to determine whether these patterns differ between diagnoses.
The sample was composed of 167 psychiatric patients and 36 controls that were evaluated using the Defense Style Questionnaire 40. All subjects were evaluated through a clinical interview, and each evaluation was confirmed through the application of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, a structured psychiatric interview. We used ANOVA and discriminant analysis to assess differences between groups.
Neurotic defense mechanisms discriminated controls from all patients except those with social anxiety. Immature defense mechanisms differentiated controls from all patients, as well as distinguished depressive patients from panic disorder and obsessive disorder patients. The discriminant analysis indicated that depressive patients are characterized by projection, panic disorder patients by sublimation and obsessive-compulsive patients by acting out.
Depressive and anxious patients differ from other individuals in their use of defense mechanisms, and each diagnosis has a particular pattern. These findings could lead to the development of specific psychotherapeutic interventions.
A stratified probability sample survey of the British general population, aged 16 to 44 years, was conducted from 1999 to 2001 (N = 11,161) using face-to-face interviewing and computer-assisted self-interviewing. We used these data to estimate the population prevalence of masturbation, and to identify sociodemographic, sexual behavioral, and attitudinal factors associated with reporting this behavior. Seventy-three percent of men and 36.8% of women reported masturbating in the 4 weeks prior to interview (95% confidence interval 71.5%-74.4% and 35.4%-38.2%, respectively). A number of sociodemographic and behavioral factors were associated with reporting masturbation. Among both men and women, reporting masturbation increased with higher levels of education and social class and was more common among those reporting sexual function problems. For women, masturbation was more likely among those who reported more frequent vaginal sex in the last four weeks, a greater repertoire of sexual activity (such as reporting oral and anal sex), and more sexual partners in the last year. In contrast, the prevalence of masturbation was lower among men reporting more frequent vaginal sex. Both men and women reporting same-sex partner(s) were significantly more likely to report masturbation. Masturbation is a common sexual practice with significant variations in reporting between men and women.
This study examined the prevalence and sources of masturbatory practice in a nationally representative sample from China completed in the year 2000, with analysis of sources focused on 2,828 urban respondents aged 20-59. In this subpopulation, 13% (95% CI, 10-18) of women and 35% (CI, 26-44) of men reported any masturbation in the preceding year. Prevalence for people in their 20s was higher, and closer to US and European levels, especially for men. Particularly for women, masturbation not only compensated for absent partners but also complemented the high sexual interests of a subset of participants. For both women and men, practicing masturbation appeared to be a two-step process. In the first step, events such as sexual contact in childhood, early puberty, and early sex were related to sexualization and the "gateway event" of adolescent masturbation. In the second step, other factors, such as liberal sexual values and sexual knowledge, further increased the current probability of masturbation. Overall, the results suggest that masturbation is readily adopted even at more modest levels of economic and social development, that masturbation is often more than simply compensatory behavior for regular partnered sex, that masturbatory patterns are heavily influenced by early sexualization, and that a complex model is needed to comprehend masturbatory practice, particularly for women.
The nature of sexual satisfaction and its relationship with relationship satisfaction was examined in a population-based Finnish sample of men and women between 33 and 43 years. Both men and women wished to experience kissing and petting, sexual fantasies, oral sex, and vaginal intercourse more often. Sexual satisfaction, defined as no discrepancy between desired frequency and actual frequency of sexual behaviors, was associated with relationship satisfaction. In both sexes, sexual satisfaction with vaginal intercourse as well as kissing and petting was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, whereas higher desired and actual frequency of masturbation were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction.
A stratified probability sample survey of the British general population, aged 16 to 44 years, was conducted from 1999 to 2001 (N = 11,161) using face-to-face interviewing and computer-assisted self-interviewing. We used these data to estimate the population prevalence of masturbation, and to identify sociodemographic, sexual behavioral, and attitudinal factors associated with reporting this behavior. Seventy-three percent of men and 36.8% of women reported masturbating in the 4 weeks prior to interview (95% confidence interval 71.5%-74.4% and 35.4%-38.2%, respectively). A number of sociodemographic and behavioral factors were associated with reporting masturbation. Among both men and women, reporting masturbation increased with higher levels of education and social class and was more common among those reporting sexual function problems. For women, masturbation was more likely among those who reported more frequent vaginal sex in the last four weeks, a greater repertoire of sexual activity (such as reporting oral and anal sex), and more sexual partners in the last year. In contrast, the prevalence of masturbation was lower among men reporting more frequent vaginal sex. Both men and women reporting same-sex partner(s) were significantly more likely to report masturbation. Masturbation is a common sexual practice with significant variations in reporting between men and women.
Coping strategies and defence mechanisms are used to describe people's responses to stressful situations. The concept of coping strategies comes from the social psychological tradition, whereas the concept of defence mechanisms comes from the psychoanalytic tradition. According to the traditional view, the two concepts are very different. However, recently, a growing number of researchers suggested that coping strategies and defence mechanisms are more interrelated than what was assumed previously. This study was aimed at documenting the relationship between both concepts in the context of predicting adjustment in a specific situation, marital relationships, one of the most well-suited situations to investigate people's responses to stressful situations. The sample consisted of 157 couples. Each partner completed the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Defence Style Questionnaire, and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Two theoretical models, the independence model and the effectiveness model, accounting for the relationship between coping strategies and defence mechanisms were first tested, using confirmatory factor analyses. According to the independence hypothesis, one latent dimension should measure defence mechanisms and the other latent dimension should measure coping strategies. According to the effectiveness hypothesis, coping strategies and defence mechanisms could vary along two dimensions: adaptive and maladaptive ways of dealing with marital difficulties. Results revealed that the effectiveness hypothesis was a better representation of the relationship between the two concepts than the independence hypothesis. The unique contribution of defence mechanisms and coping strategies to the prediction of marital adjustment was next examined using multiple regression analyses. Again, results were generally congruent with the effectiveness hypothesis. Positive and negative relationships with marital adjustment were observed for both concepts. In addition, coping strategies did not result in more positive outcomes on marital adjustment than defence mechanisms. It seems that coping strategies and defence mechanisms have both their specificity and their shared characteristics. Les stratégies d'adaptation et les mécanismes de défense sont deux concepts décrivant les réponses des individus aux situations stressantes. Le concept de stratégies d'adaptation provient de la psychologie sociale tandis que celui de mécanismes de défense provient des théories psychanalytiques. Selon la vision traditionnelle, ces deux concepts seraient très différents. Cependant, certains chercheurs ont récemment suggéré que les deux concepts pourraient être plus reliés que ce qui était postulé antérieurement. Cette étude a pour but de documenter la relation entre les deux concepts dans le contexte de la prédiction de l'ajustement dans une situation spécifique, les relations conjugales, cette dernière étant particulièrement bien adaptée pour examiner les réponses des gens aux situations stressantes. L'échantillon est composé de 157 couples. Chaque partenaire complète le Ways of Coping Questionnaire, le Defense Style Questionnaire et l'Échelle d'Ajustement Dyadique. Deux modèles théoriques, le modèle d'indépendance et le modèle d'efficacité, chacun postulant des relations spécifiques entre les deux concepts sont évalués à l'aide d'analyses factorielles confirmatoires. Selon l'hypothèse d'indépendance, une dimension latente devrait mesurer les stratégies d'adaptation et l'autre, les mécanismes de défense. Selon l'hypothèse d'efficacité, les stratégies d'adaptation et les mécanismes de défense pourraient varier en fonction de deux dimensions, soit les façons adaptées et inadaptées de faire face aux difficultés conjugales. Les résultats révèlent que l'hypothèse d'efficacité offre une meilleure représentation de la relation entre les deux concepts que l'hypothèse d'indépendance. La contribution unique des deux concepts à la prédiction de l'ajustement conjugal est par la suite examinée à l'aide de régressions multiples. Les résultats sont généralement conformes à l'hypothèse d'efficacité. En effet, les deux concepts montrent des relations positives et négatives avec l'ajustement conjugal. De plus, les stratégies d'adaptation n'ont pas une influence plus positive sur l'ajustement conjugal que les mécanismes de défense. Il semble que les mécanismes de défense et les stratégies d'adaptation auraient à la fois leur spécificité et leurs caractéristiques partagées. Las estrategias de afrontamiento y los mecanismos de defensa se emplean para describir las respuestas de la persona ante situaciones estresoras. El concepto de estrategias de afrontamiento proviene de la tradición de la psicología social, en tanto que el concepto de mecanismos de defensa proviene de la tradición psicoanalítica. De acuerdo con la perspectiva profesional, ambos conceptos son muy diferentes. No obstante, recientemente, un creciente número de investigadores ha sugerido que las estrategias de afrontamiento y los mecanismos de defensa se interrelacionan más de lo que anteriormente se había creído. El presente estudio pretende documentar la relación entre ambos conceptos en el contexto de la predicción del ajuste en una situación específica, relaciones maritales, una de las situaciones más apropiadas para investigar las respuestas personales ante situaciones estresantes. La muestra constó de 157 parejas. Cada cónyuge respondió al Ways of Coping Questionnaire, el Defense Style Questionnaire, y al Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Mediante el uso de análisis factorial confirmatorio, se sometieron a prueba inicialmente dos modelos teóricos, el modelo de independencia y el modelo de efectividad, que explican la relación entre estrategias de afrontamiento y mecanismos de defensa. De acuerdo con el modelo de independencia, una de las dimensiones latentes debía medir mecanismos de defensa y la otra dimensión latente las estrategias de afrontamiento. Según la hipótesis de efectividad, las estrategias de afrontamiento y los mecanismos de defensa podrían variar a lo largo de dos dimensiones: formas adaptadas y desadaptadas de contender con las dificultades maritales. Los resultados revelaron que la hipótesis de la efectividad constituye una mejor representación de la relación entre ambos conceptos. A continuación se examinó, usando un análisis de regresión múltiple, la contribución única de los mecanismos de defensa y de las estrategias de afrontamiento a la predicción del ajuste marital. Una vez más, los resultados fueron congruentes con la hipótesis de la efectividad. Se observaron relaciones positivas y negativas con ajuste marital para ambos conceptos. Además, las estrategias de afrontamiento no arrojaron resultados más positivos sobre el ajuste marital que los mecanismos de defensa. Parecer ser que tanto las estrategias de afrontamiento como los mecanismos de defensa tienen su especificidad y sus características comunes.
In a large representative sample of the Swedish female adult population (N = 1256), having an orgasm from purely penile stimulation of the vagina (as opposed to orgasms from clitoral stimulation) was associated with greater satisfaction (with sex life, mental health, relationships with both partners and friends, and life in general), more frequent sexual desire, greater likelihood of having one's first ever orgasm from intercourse rather than masturbation, and lesser recent masturbation frequency. The association of vaginal orgasm with these measures was unconfounded by a marginal association of vaginal orgasm with frequency of vaginal intercourse (which was independently associated with most of the measures of greater satisfaction). Vaginal orgasms were not associated with having had orgasms from partner masturbation or cunnilingus. The results are discussed in terms of recent advances in sexual physiology showing different pathways for vaginal versus clitoral sensation and orgasm, other empirical research showing psychological and physiological advantages of penile – vaginal intercourse over other sexual behaviours, psychoanalytic theory, and the need to overhaul the practices of sex therapy and sex education.
The role of masturbation in male psychogenic sexual dysfunction (MPSD) has been neglected by researchers and practitioners; this qualitative study explores that link through individual interviews with a clinic population by using grounded theory as a methodological approach and analytical style. Although a preference for functional sex with a partner was expressed by participants, our data suggest that masturbation dependence develops as a result of their sexual response having become conditional on a discrete set of behaviours, and is reinforced by cognitive components displaying different characteristics during masturbation and partner sex. The interrelation of both cognitive and behavioural components of sexual response is explored, and a theoretical model presented. Proposals for further study are suggested, and recommendations made for expansion of the formulation and treatment planning for MPSD.
Among the available approachs of personality, the presence of a personality disorder is the most documented vulnerability factor to severe depression. Impulsivity as well as some immature defense mechanisms may also be factors that predispose to severe dépression.
Sexual intercourse, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction are associated with well-being and improved quality of life. The pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) may have an important role in regulating (and thus indexing) sexual satiety and satisfaction.
Physiological indices to quantify the quality and resulting satisfaction from female orgasm would be valuable. Therefore we aim to validate associations of orgasm-induced PRL surges with women's orgasm quality and subsequent sexual satisfaction.
In a prospective study, with a pre-post, single-blinded, cross-over design in a naturalistic field setting, we analyzed the correlation of women's post-orgasmic serum PRL surges following sexual intercourse with women's perceived quality of orgasm and resulting sexual satisfaction, as measured by a questionnaire.
PRL levels prior to and following penile-vaginal intercourse with and without orgasm, and scores from the Acute Sexual Experience Scale (ASES) on quality of orgasm and sexual satisfaction.
An analysis of variance of the blood samples in nine women indicated large magnitude, significant effects of intercourse orgasm on PRL levels (P = 0.004, eta squared = 0.78), as well as an interaction with the effect of multiple orgasms (P = 0.008, eta squared = 0.80). PRL post/pre ratios and arithmetic difference correlated strongly with orgasm quality (r = 0.85, P = 0.016, and r = 0.69, P = 0.08) and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.75, P = 0.05 and r = 0.77, P = 0.045).
Women's intercourse orgasm induced PRL surges are strongly related to the quality of orgasm and subsequent sexual satisfaction. This implies that post-orgasmic PRL surges are an objective index of orgasm and orgasm quality. PRL might be used in future studies on basic research as well as a treatment target in sexual disorders in women.
The authors reply to a quartet of recent articles in this journal. We detail certain
misrepresentations and the dismissal of existing research in those articles
(including attempts at denial of the repeatedly documented association of lack
of vaginal orgasm with greater use of immature psychological defense
mechanisms and other indices of poorer health). The authors also call for a less
defensive and less doctrinaire approach to sex research, especially, but not
exclusively, when the prevailing ideology in the fields of sexology might be
undermining optimal health.
A study was conducted to assess whether individual differences in sexual activity during the past 30 days, in particular penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI; which is associated with measures of relationship quality), are related to the perception of the facial attractiveness of unknown men. Forty-five women reported the frequency of a variety of sexual behaviors and rated the facial attractiveness and friendliness of 24 men. Women who reported more frequent orgasm from masturbation rated men as less friendly. This finding might be reflective of the more anti-social attitude associated with more frequent masturbation. The results also show that women who engaged more frequently in most kinds of sexual behavior, not only PVI, considered unknown men to be less facially attractive. That is, individuals who engage more frequently in a variety of sexual behaviors with their partner perceived unknown men as less attractive and thereby may be less susceptible to the lure of other (or if the only sexual behavior is masturbation, any) men.
The exact prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in the Middle East is exceptionally difficult to measure in light of its sensitive nature and the conservative tinge of the population.
The Global Online Sexuality Survey-Arabic-Females (GOSS-AR-F) is a community-based study of female sexuality in the Middle East through an online survey.
Prevalence of risk for female sexual dysfunction (rFSD) in the reproductive age group and its vulnerability to various risk factors.
GOSS-AR-F was offered via online advertising. The survey is comprised of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire among other questions.
Out of 2,920 participants, 344 participants completed all survey questions. Average total FSFI score was 23 ± 6.5, with 59.1% of participants suffering rFSD. Age adjusted prevalence of rFSD was 59.5%, standardized to World Health Organization World Standard Population. There was a statistically significant higher prevalence of rFSD among cases with subjectively reported depression and male partner-related shortcomings such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation as reported by the female participant, in addition to dissatisfaction with partner's penile size, insufficient foreplay, and practice of masturbation. This was not the case with advancing age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, ongoing pregnancy, mode of previous child delivery, infertility, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, interpersonal distress, subjectively reported hirsutism, and female genital cutting. Participants were found to require longer duration of coitus and better ejaculatory control but not necessarily a higher coital frequency.
Female sexual function in the reproductive age appears to be adversely affected by psychological factors and shortcomings in male sexual function more than anything. These findings point to the possibility that many cases of FSD can be managed with the focus on male partner's ailments and attitudes that are relatively easier to manage.
It has been unclear whether adolescent deliberate self-harm (DSH) is more associated with substance use or with characterological impairments. Multivariate determination of (N = 114 Scottish adolescents) ever engaging in DSH (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) from alcohol use, other substance use, and immature defense mechanism use (Defense Style Questionnaire; DSQ-40) revealed that a history of DSH was associated with more use of immature defense mechanisms by not with substance use or recent alcohol use. More research and clinical attention might be given to immature defense mechanisms in cases of DSH.
Previous multivariate research in Europe found that sexual satisfaction was associated directly with frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) but inversely with masturbation and some aspects of non-PVI partnered sex.
To examine the associations of sexual satisfaction in a sample from the People's Republic of China, including not only frequencies of various sexual behaviors, but also frequencies of orgasm.
Chinese industrial workers (N=158, age over 24 years) completed the sexual satisfaction scale of the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire (MSQ) and a short form of the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale, and provided details of the one month frequencies of engaging in, and having an orgasm from, PVI, masturbation, and non-PVI partnered sex.
Multiple regression prediction of sexual satisfaction from age, social desirability responding, and in separate analyses, frequencies of the sexual behaviors or the corresponding orgasm frequencies.
For men and women, sexual satisfaction was associated with frequency of PVI and of PVI orgasm (the latter for women only), but not other sexual behavior or orgasm frequency. Similar results were obtained for the MSQ satisfaction scale and for a single satisfaction item.
Despite cultural differences (and our smaller, less diverse sample), the positive prediction of satisfaction from only PVI (and in our sample of women, PVI orgasm) frequency-but not other sexual activities-was similar to that in a Swedish sample. Future research might also examine possible occasional avoidance of ejaculation by some Chinese men.
The neuropathologies of the self (NPS) are disorders of the self and identity that occur in association with neuropathology and include perturbations of the bodily, relational, and narrative self. Right, especially medial-frontal and orbitofrontal lesions, are associated with these conditions. The ego disequilibrium theory proposes this brain pathology causes a disturbance of ego boundaries and functions and the emergence of developmentally immature styles of thought, ego functioning, and psychological defenses including denial, projection, splitting, and fantasy that the NPS patient has in common with the child. I hypothesize that during brain development between approximately ages 3 and 7 immature defensive functions and fantasies tend to be replaced by mature defenses and the inhibition of fantasy a process that depends upon maturational processes within the right hemisphere. I propose a four-tiered model of the NPS that emphasizes a multifactorial approach and includes both negative and positive, bottom up and top down, and neuropsychological and psychological factors.
Previous research has suggested that diminished tactile sensitivity might be associated with reduced sexual activity and function. Research has also demonstrated significant physiological and psychological differences between sexual behaviors, including immature psychological defense mechanisms (associated with various psychopathologies) impairing specifically women's orgasm from penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI).
To examine the extent to which orgasm triggered by PVI (distinguished from other sexual activities) is associated with both greater tactile sensitivity and lesser use of immature psychological defenses.
Seventy French-Canadian female university students (aged 18-30) had their finger sensitivity measured with von Frey type microfilaments, completed the Defense Style Questionnaire and a short form of the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale, and provided details of the 1 month (and ever) frequencies of engaging in, and having an orgasm from, PVI, masturbation, anal intercourse, partner masturbation, and cunnilingus.
Logistic and linear regression prediction of orgasm triggered by PVI from tactile sensitivity, age, social desirability responding, and immature psychological defenses.
Having a PVI orgasm in the past month was associated with greater tactile sensitivity (odds ratio=4.0 for each filament point) and less use of immature defense mechanisms (odds ratio=5.1 for each scale point). Lifetime PVI orgasm was associated only with less use of immature defense mechanisms (and lower social desirability responding score). Orgasms triggered by other activities were not associated with either tactile sensitivity or immature defense mechanisms. Tactile sensitivity was also associated with greater past month PVI frequency (inclusion of PVI frequency in a logistic regression model displaced tactile sensitivity), and lesser use of immature defenses was associated with greater past month PVI and PVI orgasm frequencies.
Both diminished physical sensitivity and the presence of specific psychological impairments might decrease the likelihood of women's orgasm from specifically PVI, but not other sexual activities.
A growing literature links aspects of sexual and cardiovascular function. Recent research revealed that pulse pressure (systolic minus diastolic) was associated with poorer erectile function (and hypogonadism) in male patients with erectile dysfunction. It is unclear to what degree pulse pressure (and body mass index) would be associated with aspects of sexual function in a younger, healthy sample (controlling for possible confounders).
To examine the associations of frequency of specific sexual behaviors with both resting pulse pressure and body mass index.
Sixty-five healthy young men (mean age 25.2 +/- 4.6 years) had their resting blood pressure, weight, and height recorded, and reported the frequency of their various sexual activities.
Correlations of pulse pressure with different sexual behaviors (univariate and adjusted for possible confounding variables including age, mean blood pressure, body mass index, social desirability responding score, and cohabitation status).
For these healthy young men, on univariate and adjusted analyses, pulse pressure was not significantly associated with frequencies of penile-vaginal intercourse, other partnered sexual activity, or masturbation. In contrast, body mass index was associated with lesser frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse but not other sexual behaviors.
The association of pulse pressure with sexual function previously observed in older men was not observed in this younger healthy sample. Other measures of arterial stiffness might be indicated in a healthy young population. Even within the normal range and adjusted for possible confounders, increasing body mass index (a rough proxy for body fat) is associated with reduced frequency of specifically penile-vaginal intercourse, which might be a result of some combination of characterological and hormonal factors.
To evaluate the internal consistency reliability and discriminant validity of a Chinese language short form (14-item) of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, data from 197 Chinese medical students were analyzed. Half (48 men, M age = 23.0 yr.; 51 women, M age = 22.0 yr.) were randomly assigned to receive standard instructions, and half (46 men, M age = 21.7 yr.; 52 women, M age = 21.5 yr.) were given mock job-selection instructions. The latter had a higher mean Social Desirability score, which demonstrates discriminant validity. Split-half reliability was .71. Five factors were identified, but confirmatory factor analysis indicated adequate fit with a 1- or 2-factor model. Despite the challenge of translation into Chinese (in this case, involving translation into Mandarin and back-translation by native speakers for examination by a native speaker of English), this short form appears to have adequate internal consistency reliability and discriminant validity.
Research shows that (1) greater use of immature psychological defence mechanisms (associated with psychopathology) is associated with lesser orgasmic consistency from penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI), but greater frequency of other sexual behaviours and greater condom use for PVI, and (2) unlike the vectors of receptive anal intercourse and punctures, HIV acquisition during PVI is extremely unlikely in reasonably healthy persons. However, the relationship between overestimation of AIDS deaths due to 'heterosexual transmission' (often misunderstood as only PVI), sexual behaviour and mental health has been lacking. Two hundred and twenty-one Scottish women completed the Defense Style Questionnaire, reported past month frequencies of their various sexual activities, and estimated the total number of women who died from AIDS in Scotland nominally as a result of heterosexual transmission in the UK from a partner not known to be an injecting drug user, bisexual or infected through transfusion. The average respondent overestimated by 226,000%. Women providing lower estimates were less likely to use immature psychological defences, and had a lower frequency of orgasms from clitoral masturbation during PVI and from vibrator use. The results indicate that those who perceive 'heterosexual transmission' led to many AIDS deaths have poorer psychological functioning, and might be less able to appreciate PVI.
Introduction:
Disturbances of emotional and physical awareness can impair female sexual function. Previous research revealed that immature psychological defense mechanisms (impairing emotional awareness) are associated specifically with impaired vaginal orgasm (orgasm triggered solely by penile-vaginal stimulation). Alcohol consumed before sex (ACBS) might impair vaginal orgasm or lead to avoiding the opportunity for it, but research examining immature defenses, ACBS, and specific sexual behaviors has been lacking.
Aim:
To test the hypothesis that greater use of immature defenses and greater ACBS are inversely associated with vaginal orgasm consistency, but unrelated or positively correlated with greater frequency of other sexual behaviors.
Methods:
Three hundred twenty-three coitally experienced women (predominantly Scottish) responded to an online survey reporting their frequency of various sexual activities (and corresponding orgasms) and their ACBS, and completed the Defense Style Questionnaire DSQ-40.
Main outcome measures:
Univariate and multivariate correlations of immature defenses, ACBS, and various sexual behaviors.
Results:
Both immature defenses and ACBS were associated with less vaginal orgasm consistency, but unrelated or positively correlated with frequency of other sexual behaviors (including clitoral masturbation during penile-vaginal intercourse). Immature defenses were associated with more ACBS. Immature defenses explained the association between ACBS and both lack of vaginal orgasm and greater frequency of other sexual behaviors.
Conclusions:
The results provide further evidence that difficulty in having a vaginal orgasm is associated with immature defenses (and associated disturbances of sensibility), among other indicators of poorer health and relatedness. ACBS might impair vaginal orgasm or increase the likelihood of choosing other sexual activities, but this effect might be somewhat contingent on immature defenses. Based on various empirical studies, we call for examination of the possibility that lack of vaginal orgasm (given an adequate man) should qualify as a female sexual dysfunction.
Sexual medicine would benefit from large representative surveys examining the prevalence of genital female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) symptoms (with and without the increasingly controversial distress criterion), as well as novel FSAD correlates and potential "protective" factors.
To examine the extent to which genital FSAD symptoms, with and without a distress criterion, are associated with both historical and current aspects of sexual behavior.
In a representative sample of the Czech population (aged 15-88), 1,000 women were asked whether they currently have impaired lubrication and vaginal swelling (and if so, if this produces marked distress or interpersonal difficulty). They provided details of vaginal orgasm (induced by penile-vaginal intercourse [PVI] without clitoral masturbation) consistency, feelings during their first PVI, estimates of their typical foreplay and PVI durations, their degree of mental focus on vaginal sensations during PVI, among other factors.
The current prevalence of FSAD with and without a distress criterion and their associations with current and antecedent sexual behaviors and responses.
The current prevalence of FSAD was 10.3% without, plus 7.5% with a distress criterion (which tended to be associated with more impairments than without distress). History of vaginal orgasm (odds ratio = 2.78), never masturbating (odds ratio = 2.4), not having felt pain and discomfort on first PVI (odds ratio = 2.27), and not having frequent anal intercourse are protective against FSAD with distress, but not without distress. Age (especially over 50) and inadequate focusing of mental attention on vaginal sensations during PVI are associated with increased FSAD risk both with and without distress.
FSAD with and without distress appear to be different entities to some extent, with the distressed group showing more long-term signs of psychosexual impairment. We suggest that FSAD with and without distress be considered two different disorders.
Some sex therapists and educators assume that many sexual behaviors provide comparable sexual satisfaction. Evidence is required to determine whether sexual behaviors differ in their associations with both sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with other aspects of life.
To test the hypothesis that satisfaction with sex life, life in general, sexual partnership, and mental health correlates directly with frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) and inversely with frequency of both masturbation and partnered sexual activity excluding PVI (noncoital sex).
A representative sample of 2,810 Swedes reported frequency of PVI, noncoital sex, and masturbation during the past 30 days, and degree of satisfaction with their sex life, life in general, partnership, and mental health.
Multivariate analyses (for the sexes separately and combined) considering the different satisfaction parameters as dependent variables, and the different types of sexual activities (and age) as putative predictors.
For both sexes, multivariate analyses revealed that PVI frequency was directly associated with all satisfaction measures (part correlation = 0.50 with sexual satisfaction), masturbation frequency was independently inversely associated with almost all satisfaction measures, and noncoital sex frequencies independently inversely associated with some satisfaction measures (and uncorrelated with the rest). Age did not confound the results.
The results are consistent with evidence that specifically PVI frequency, rather than other sexual activities, is associated with sexual satisfaction, health, and well-being. Inverse associations between satisfaction and masturbation are not due simply to insufficient PVI.
Freud opined that condom use during penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI), like sexual activities other than PVI, led to a detrimental effect on orgasm that fueled the neuroses. Although this hypothesis had not been empirically tested, Freud's hypothesis that inability to have a (PVI) vaginal orgasm is a sign of psychological immaturity has recently received empirical support.
The objective is to examine the hypotheses that use of immature psychological defense mechanisms correlates directly with frequency of condom use during PVI, but inversely with frequency of PVI without condoms. An additional aim is to examine the independent contributions of frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and different triggers of orgasm, in predicting the use of immature defense mechanisms.
Two hundred ten Portuguese participants (99 women) reported their frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and frequency of orgasms from different sexual activities during the preceding month, and also completed the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40).
The association of DSQ-40 immature defenses (correlated with indices of psychopathology) with past month frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and orgasms from different sexual behaviors.
Frequency of PVI with condoms correlated directly with use of immature defenses. Frequency of PVI without condoms correlated inversely with use of immature and neurotic defenses. Results were not confounded by relationship status, age, cohabitation, or social desirability responding. Regression analyses revealed that immature defenses were independently predicted by condom use for PVI and by masturbation orgasms (for both sexes). For women additional predictors were lack of vaginal orgasm, and orgasm from clitoral masturbation during PVI.
The results are consistent with condom use during PVI being associated with psychological immaturity and predisposition to poorer mental health.
Three short forms of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale were constructed from the results of principal components analysis (N = 399). Those subscales were compared with short forms developed by previous researchers who used the same methodology. Examination of the subscales indicated that 13 of the scale's 33 items were isolated by at least two of the three reported studies. Those items were used to construct a composite subscale, which appeared to offer a useful alternative to the full scale. Further analysis of the subscale's contents, however, raised questions about the dimensionality of the Marlowe-Crowne scale. Caution was urged in the use and interpretation of both the full inventory and the short form until the meaning of scale scores can be clarified.
The Defense Style Questionnaire has proven of interest as the first questionnaire to reliably describe defense styles. The 72-item DSM-III-R-labeled Defense Style Questionnaire was administered to 388 controls and 324 patients. Eight statistical and two a priori criteria were used in choosing two items to represent each of the 20 defenses. A new 40-item Defense Style Questionnaire is published together with normative and reliability data on a normal population, patients with anxiety disorders, and child-abusing parents. The scores are unaffected by the sex of the respondent, but the endorsement of immature defense styles decreases with age.
The aim of the present study was threefold: (a) to investigate whether anxiety or depressive disorders are related to the use of specific defenses; (b) to evaluate which defenses are associated with self-report measures for anxiety and depression; and (c) to assess whether the association between defenses and anxiety or depression is gender specific. Subjects were 483 consecutive psychiatric outpatients with the following DSM-III-R diagnoses: (a) V-code or no psychiatric diagnosis (N = 71) (controls); (b) one or two anxiety diagnoses (N = 116), among which 47 patients with a single diagnosis of panic disorder; (c) one or two depressive disorder diagnoses (N = 93), among which 35 patients with a single diagnosis of dysthymia and 51 with a single diagnosis of major depression; and (d) 203 otherwise. Defense use was measured with the Defense Style Questionnaire-36 and level of anxiety and depression with the Symptom Checklist-90. Compared to controls, anxiety and depressive disorder patients scored higher for the immature defense style. Moreover, anxiety disorder patients obtained significantly higher scores for the neurotic defense style than both depressive disorder patients and controls. Panic patients made more use of the defense mechanisms of somatization, devaluation, and idealization, and dysthymic patients of somatization, devaluation, and isolation. Both anxiety and depression scores were positively related to the immature and neurotic, and negatively to the mature defense style. Anxiety was predominantly related to somatization and depression to projection. No evidence for a gender specific association between defense and anxiety or depression was found. It is concluded that the observed differences in defense between groups may be a consequence of the nature of the psychiatric disorder irrespective of gender. Prospective studies of persons at risk are needed to evaluate whether specific defenses are predictive of anxiety or depressive disorders and/or symptoms.
Numerous recent attempts to identify mediated and moderated effects in child-clinical and pediatric research on child adjustment have been characterized by terminological, conceptual, and statistical inconsistencies. To promote greater clarity, the terms mediating and moderating are defined and differentiated. Recommended statistical strategies that can be used to test for these effects are reviewed (i.e., multiple regression and structural equation modeling techniques). The distinction between mediated and indirect effects is also discussed. Examples of troublesome and appropriate uses of these terms in the child-clinical and pediatric psychology literatures are highlighted.
I examined the relationship of recalled and diary recorded frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse (FSI), noncoital partnered sexual activity, and masturbation to measured waist and hip circumference in 120 healthy adults aged 19-38. Slimmer waist (in men and in the sexes combined) and slimmer hips (in men and women) were associated with greater FSI. Slimmer waist and hips were associated with rated importance of intercourse for men. Noncoital partnered sexual activity had a less consistent association with slimness. Slimmer waist and hips were associated with less masturbation (in men and in the sexes combined). I discuss the results in terms of differences between different sexual behaviors, attractiveness, emotional relatedness, physical sensitivity, sexual dysfunction, sociobiology, psychopharmacological aspects of excess fat and carbohydrate consumption, and implications for sex therapy.
We examined the association between lifetime depression history and sexual function in a community-based sample of midlife women. Specifically, 914 women aged 42-52 who were participants in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation completed a self-report assessment of their sexual behaviors, sexual desire, sexual arousal, and sexual satisfaction over the past 6 months. On the basis of the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV , participants were categorized into 1 of 3 lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) history groups: no MDD history, single episode MDD, and recurrent MDD. In line with previous reports, women with a history of recurrent MDD reported experiencing less frequent sexual arousal, less physical pleasure, and less emotional satisfaction within their current sexual relationships. Although the groups did not differ in their reported frequency of sexual desire or partnered sexual behaviors, lifetime depression history was associated with increased rates of self-stimulation (masturbation). Associations between lifetime depression history and lower levels of physical pleasure within partnered sexual relationships and higher rates of masturbation remained significant following control for current depressive symptoms, study site, marital status, psychotropic medication use, and lifetime history of anxiety or substance abuse/dependence disorder. Future research is needed to characterize the temporal and etiologic relationships among lifetime depressive disorder, current mood state, and sexual function in women across the lifespan.
The Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) is a widely used self-report measure of empirically derived groupings of defense mechanisms ranked on an adaptive hierarchy. A review of published studies indicates strong evidence that adaptiveness of defense style correlates with mental health and that some diagnoses are correlated with specific defense patterns-for example, borderline personality disorder with greater use of both maladaptive and image-distorting defenses and less use of adaptive defenses. For other diagnoses, the pattern of defenses is less clear but often reinforces theoretical formulations. Defense styles become more adaptive with improvement in symptoms, but intermediate defenses tend to be stable (traitlike) over time. Defenses are sometimes predictive of the quality of the therapeutic alliance. Although one might speculate that assessment of defenses can be useful in planning treatment, there are no studies supporting this hypothesis.
Penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) but not other sexual behavior is associated with better psychological and physiological function. I examined the relationship of sexual behavior patterns to blood pressure (BP) and its reactivity to stress (public speaking and verbal arithmetic). For a fortnight, 24 women and 22 men used daily diaries to record PVI, masturbation, and partnered sexual behavior in the absence of PVI. Persons who reported PVI (but no other sexual activities) had better stress response (less reactivity and/or lower baseline levels) than persons reporting other or no sexual behaviors. Persons who only masturbated or had partnered sex without PVI had 14 mmHg more systolic BP reactivity than those who had PVI but not the other behaviors. Many variables were examined but failed to confound the observed relationships. The magnitude of the sexual behavior effect on BP reactivity is greater than of other factors in the literature. These findings add to the research corpus on the benefits of PVI (differentiated from other sexual activities).
A growing empirical literature demonstrates that the only sexual behavior consistently associated with indices of better physiological and psychological function is the one sexual behavior relevant to potential gene propagation. In the present study, 30 Portuguese women reported on their frequency of different sexual behaviors and corresponding orgasm rates and also completed the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory. As hypothesized, frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse correlated positively with PRQC dimensions: Satisfaction, Intimacy, Trust, Passion, Love (all r >/= .40) and Global Relationship Quality (r = .55). Noncoital sexual behaviors with a partner were uncorrelated with the PRQC dimensions. Masturbation frequency was inversely associated with Love (r = -.38). Penile-vaginal orgasmic frequency correlated positively with PRQC dimensions: Satisfaction, Intimacy, Passion, Love (all r >/= .44) and Global Relationship Quality (r = .52). Penile-vaginal intercourse orgasmic consistency was inversely associated with masturbation frequency. Social desirability scores did not confound the associations. Results are discussed in terms of both evolutionary and psychoanalytic theories.
Freud implied a link between inability to have a vaginal orgasm and psychosexual immaturity. Since Kinsey, many sexologists have asserted that no such link exists. However, empirical testing of the issue has been lacking.
The objective was to determine the relationship between different sexual behavior triggers of female orgasm and use of immature psychological defense mechanisms.
Women reported their past month frequency of different sexual behaviors and corresponding orgasm rates and completed the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40).
The association between ability to have vaginal intercourse orgasm (versus clitoral orgasm) and the use of DSQ-40 immature psychological defense mechanisms (associated with various psychopathologies) was examined.
In a sample of 94 healthy Portuguese women, vaginal orgasm (triggered solely by penile-vaginal intercourse) was associated with less use of DSQ-40 immature defenses. Vaginal orgasm was associated with less somatization, dissociation, displacement, autistic fantasy, devaluation, and isolation of affect. Orgasm from clitoral stimulation or combined clitoral-intercourse stimulation was not associated with less use of immature defenses, and was associated with more use of some immature defenses. In one regression analysis, more masturbation and less vaginal orgasm consistency made independent contributions to the statistical prediction of immature defenses. In another regression analysis, any use of extrinsic clitoral stimulation for intercourse orgasm, and lack of any vaginal orgasm, made independent contributions to the statistical prediction of immature defenses. Vaginally anorgasmic women had immature defenses scores comparable to those of established (depression, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder) outpatient psychiatric groups. Results were not confounded by social desirability responding or relationship quality.
The results linking penile-vaginal orgasm with less use of immature psychological defense mechanisms are consistent with both early psychoanalytic personality theory and recent advances in sexual physiology. Implications for diagnosis and sex therapy are noted.
The association between maturity of defense use and psychological functioning was assessed in a group of 95 elementary school children. Defense mechanisms were measured using a valid and reliable storytelling task, and psychological adjustment was assessed through a combination of parent and self-report questionnaires. Correlational analyses indicated that children who relied on the developmentally immature defense of denial reported higher levels of self-rated social anxiety and depression and received higher ratings of parent-reported internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. However, children who made use of the developmentally mature defense of identification exhibited higher scores on perceived competence in social, academic, conduct, athletic, and global domains. Significantly, there was no relationship between children's use of denial and their level of perceived competence or between children's use of identification and their degree of maladjustment.