title: Dysfunctional sexual beliefs: a comparative study of heterosexual men and women, gay men, and lesbian women with and without sexual problems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Conservative and dysfunctional sexual beliefs are commonly associated with sexual problems among heterosexual men and women. However, little is known about the role of sexual beliefs in sexual problems in gay men and lesbians.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed at analyzing the role of sexual beliefs in sexual dysfunction in a sample of heterosexual and homosexual men and women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants answered questions about self-perceived sexual problems and completed the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred twelve men (106 gay) and 192 women (96 lesbian) completed a Web survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicated that men with sexual dysfunction (regardless of sexual orientation) reported significantly more conservative beliefs and more erroneous beliefs related to partner's sexual satisfaction compared with sexually healthy men. Also, gay men with sexual dysfunction (but not heterosexual men) scored higher on belief in sex as an abuse of men's power compared with healthy controls. In addition, heterosexual men scored higher on "macho" beliefs, beliefs regarding partner's sexual satisfaction, and partner's power, compared with gay men. For women, a main effect was found for sexual orientation, with lesbian women scoring higher on sexual desire as a sin, age-related beliefs, and affection primacy and lower on beliefs related to motherhood primacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, findings suggest that dysfunctional sexual beliefs may play a role as vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction regardless of sexual orientation, particularly in men.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Maria Manuela
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Peixoto
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nobre
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Sexual Beliefs; Sexual Dysfunctions; Sexual Myths; Sexual Orientation; Sexual Problems