Sexual fears are increasing.
This study compared scores from three samples of college students (N = 810) on the Sexual Aversion Scale, a measure of sexual anxiety based on DSM-III-R criteria for diagnosing sexual aversion disorder. Measurements were taken in 1988, 1991, and 1992. There was a significant increase in sexual anxiety during this period, most of it attributable to fear of acquiring AIDS. Although the women reported more sexual anxiety than the men over-all, there was no difference on fear of AIDS. These findings could foreshadow an increase in sexual dysfunctions and desire disorders.
Katz
R C
RC
Psychology Department, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211.
Frazer
N
N
Wilson
L
L
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology