title: Cognitive factors in sexual behavior.
abstract: Two major forms of cognitive behaviors are examined: perceptions and evaluations. By synthesizing the work of cognitive therapists such as Beck and Ellis, a feedback-loop model of sexual arousal is proposed. It is suggested that cognitive distortions of perception and evaluation operate in most cases of sexual dysfunction. Therefore, a more specific diagnostic schema and a more relevantly planned course of treatment may be designed by pinpointing the troublesome cognitive linkages between sexual stimuli and sexual responses.
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D005794:Generalization, Response / Q000502:physiology; D005795:Generalization, Stimulus / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000628:therapy