A phenomenology of problematic sexual behavior occurring in sleep.
First-person reports of individuals' experiences of problematic "sleep sex" were collected in an Internet-based study. Qualitative analysis of 121 reports yielded 6 distinct themes: (1) fear and a lack of emotional intimacy; (2) guilt and confusion; (3) a sense of repulsion and feelings of sexual abandonment; (4) shame, disappointment, and frustration; (5) annoyance and suspicion; (6) embarrassment and a sense of "self-incrimination." Results suggest that sleep sex can elicit negative emotions and cognitions that may become a source of personal and relational distress. Clinician familiarity with problematic sleep sex may foster more effective communication with individuals presenting with such complaints.
Mangan
Michael A
MA
Department of Psychology, Conant Hall, 10 Library Way, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824-3567, USA. mamangan@cisunix.unh.edu
D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D003243:Consciousness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012890:Sleep; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires