Intersectionality in Sex Therapy: Opportunities for Promoting Sexual Wellness Among Queer People of Color

Women’s Sexual Health During the Pandemic of COVID-19: Declines in Sexual Function and Sexual Pleasure

“…Multiple regression analysis showed that age, partner relationship, and sexual desire were closely related to sexual frequency Li et al [ 40 ] China Quantitative May 1 – May 5, 2020 426 women 541 men 26.6 ± 4.86; [ 16 – 27 , 29 – 36 ] Ad hoc questionnaire 22% of participants reported a decrease in sexual desire, 41% experienced a decrease in the sexual intercourse frequency, and 30% reported an increase in the frequency of masturbation. 31% reported a deterioration in partner relationships during the pandemic Lorentz [ 53 ] Brazil Quantitative, longitudinal November 2019–March 2020 50 women Mdn = 25; [ 23 – 26 , 29 – 34 ] FSFI [ 26 ] There were no changes in the FSFI scores at the three evaluated times were reported, but depressive symptoms increased across times Luetke et al [ 60 ] USA Quantitative April 10–April 20, 2020 381 women 365 men [ 18 – 94 ] Ad hoc questionnaire Among individuals in relationships, 34% reported some degree of conflict with their romantic partners. Those experiencing frequent coronavirus-related conflict were more likely to report decreased frequency of solo and partnered sexual behaviors compared to those not experiencing any such conflict, exhibiting a dose-response trend among partnered sexual behaviors Micelli et al [ 59 ] Italy Quantitative - 944 women 538 men [ 18 – 27 , 29 – 47 ] Ad hoc questionnaire From 18.1% participants who were planning to have a child before the pandemic, 37.3% abandoned the intention, related to worries of future economic difficulties (58%) and consequences on pregnancy (58%).…”

“…Most men did not have erectile dysfunction, while most women presented sexual dysfunction. Panzeri et al [ 54 ] Italy Qualitative April 11 – May 5, 2020 124 (73% women) in cohabiting relationships 34.01 ± 8.71; [ 23 – 60 ] Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women [ 96 ] Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Men [ 97 ], Sexual Desire Inventory [ 98 ] Some women reported decreases and others increases in sexual function and pleasure/satisfaction. Decreases were related to worry, lack of privacy, and stress, whilst increases with having more free time and time with the partner, less stress, and boredom Pascoal et al [ 29 ] Portugal Qualitative March 22–June 1, 2020 24 women 15 men clinical sexologists [ 27 , 28 , 34 – 73 ] - These clinical sexologists perceive that the pandemic contributed to worsening sexual problems and dysfunctions, mental health, relationship management, as well as to the rise of conservatism the use of technology Schiavi et al [ 33 ] Italy Quantitative February 2018–February 2020 89 women Mdn = 39, [ 27 , 30 – 51 ] FSFI [ 26 ] Female Sexual Distress Scale [ 99 ] Women cohabiting with their partners reduced their sexual activity.…”

“…In addition, pre-existing inequalities affecting homelife, work [ 14 , 15 ], and sexual pleasure [ 16 , 17 ], as well as higher vulnerability to affective disorders [ 18 – 20 ], and to sexual dysfunction [ 21 , 22 ], could be contributing to decreased sexual health among women during this period. Notably, sexual problems manifest in the context of overlapping systems of oppression that besides gender also intersect with aspects such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status [ 23 ]. Therefore, some women may face an additional strain on their sexual rights during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those from developing countries [ 13 , 24 ], and from marginalized groups [ 25 ].…”

Review of third-wave therapies for substance use disorders in people of color and collectivist cultures: Current evidence and future directions.

“…In this respect, the CBT approach of changing "maladaptive cognitions" that may be reasonable responses to systematic injustices could be construed as insensitive and potentially ineffective or even harmful. Conversely, third-wave therapies may be more applicable to individuals who have faced discrimination given the emphasis on sensitivity, acceptance and tolerance (as opposed to denial of distress), awareness, and cognitive flexibility (Heredia & Rider, 2020).…”

Sexual Health and Integrative Pleasure (SHIP) Model: Using a clinical case example to guide assessment and treatment

“…A sex therapist assesses how these identities contribute to the client's sexual experiences, while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and humility (Winterton et al, 2020). An intersectional approach to sex therapy promotes an understanding of the impact of oppressive structures on sexual wellness (e.g., heteronormativity, racism, and objectification) while uplifting areas of healing, resilience, and pleasure (Heredia & Rider, 2020). Additionally, this perspective can promote examination by both the clinician and client of inflexible and destructive thought patterns that are rooted in systemic oppression to move a client toward greater self‐acceptance and promotion of sexual pleasure (Heredia & Rider, 2020).…”