Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy

Kaplan, Peter M.

doi: 10.1080/00926238908412849pmid: 2738932

Abstract There recently has been a tremendous amount of literature concerning post-traumatic stress disorder in both the scientific and the lay literature. However, with all the interest, and all the material that has been generated, symptoms of sexual dysfunction, which may be present in a significant number of patients suffering from this disorder, have not been included in the diagnostic criteria or clinical descriptions. While working with Vietnam veterans who possessed the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder during 1984 at a New York area Veteran's Administration Hospital, it became apparent that many of these men suffered from erectile difficulties. While these observations are by no means epidemiologically significant, they do suggest that the sexual status of this patient population deserves investigation.

Rosenzweig, Julie M.; Dailey, Dennis M.

doi: 10.1080/00926238908412846pmid: 2738929

Abstract Men and women who were found to be androgynous in the sexual situation were more sexually satisfied and had better adjustment in their dyadic relationship than their sex role stereotypic counterparts. This finding was not surprising, since androgyny implies more flexibility. On the other hand, the finding was surprising in light of the fact that large numbers of both men and women in the study sample perceived themselves as feminine in the sexual situation, compared to their global sex role self-perception. Several explanations are offered with respect to these outcomes, and the importance of qualitative differences between men and women is highlighted.

doi: 10.1080/00926238908412850pmid: N/A

Abstract Integrating Sex and Marital Therapy: A Clinical Guide, by Gerald R. Weeks & Larry Hof. New York: Brunner Mazel, 1987, 255 pages, $30.00

Freund, Blanche; Steketee, Gail

doi: 10.1080/00926238908412845pmid: 2738928

Abstract An exploratory investigation of sexual history, attitudes and functioning was conducted with 44 obsessive-compulsive outpatients seeking behavioral therapy. Prior to treatment, patients completed a life history questionnaire which requested information about personal and parental attitudes toward sex, current sexual functioning, sexual obsessions, and sexual history. Pretreatment measures of obsessive-compulsive symptomatology revealed a severely obsessional group who were moderately depressed and introverted. Obsessive-compulsives did not appear to differ from normative samples in sexual history or attitudinal variables. One-third of the present sample reported obsessions related to sexual themes. Symptomatology interferred with sexual satisfaction, particularly for those concerned with bodily secretions. Sexual dysfunction, however, was relatively uncommon. Categorizing patients according to the type of obsession (bodily secretion vs. other obsession) or their religious affiliation (Catholic vs. non-Catholic) yielded no differences with respect to sexual history, attitudes and treatment outcome. Some association of early sexual experiences with current sexual dysfunction was observed.

Gordon, Richard

doi: 10.1080/00926238908412844pmid: 2661835

Abstract Condom failure rates for HIV are substantially greater than for pregnancy, even for highly motivated people who may reach the limit set by allowed manufacturing imperfections. This makes condoms ineffective for lifelong protection from HIV-infected sexual partners; therefore, in general, condoms provide inadequate risk reduction for the individual. Nevertheless, they are sufficiently effective that if everyone used condoms, the AIDS epidemic would stop. Quantitative public health goals to reduce the “reproductive rate” of HIV from an estimated 4–12 people infected per infected person to below 1 are needed. Government and scientific testing of condoms could be improved statistically and by utilizing relevant physics.

Woody, Jane Divita

doi: 10.1080/00926238908412848pmid: 2738931

Abstract Although sex therapy from its inception has been acknowledged to be an integrative modality, little attention has focused on integrating various systemic approaches into sex therapy; yet the majority of sex therapists are probably familiar with these approaches. This article attempts to convey the reality of a newer sex therapy that integrates systemic thinking. Through a detailed case analysis and explication of the conceptual framework, it demonstrates the utility of several systemic strategies in treating sexual dysfunction; accounts for which techniques were and were not effective; and acknowledges the significance of the therapeutic relationship and of ethical and value issues that are present in all therapy.

Berman, Leo H.

doi: 10.1080/00926238908412843pmid: N/A