The Influence of Sexual Arousal on Experienced Pain

Jaarsveld, Leonie van (2023) The Influence of Sexual Arousal on Experienced Pain. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Introduction. Between 10 and 28% of adult women have a genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder, which encompasses numerous negative psychological and physical consequences. The current study broadens the scientific knowledge about the effects of sexual arousal on pain in women while controlling for disgust, with positive results implying a different way of pain relief in women. Method. 100 heterosexual females (18-35 years) that were recruited from the first-year psychology SONA Participant Pool of the University of Groningen were allocated to either watch (i) a neutral film (ii) a previously used original pornographic film that was previously found to elicit disgust next to sexual arousal (iii) or a female-friendly, low disgust-rated pornographic film aiming to elicit sexual arousal. Participants’ pain tolerance was concurrently measured with a cold pressor task (CPT). Additionally, participants rated their level of sexual arousal and disgust, and the pain intensity of the CPT. Results. Sexual arousal and disgust were successfully elicited, but sexual arousal did not have a pain-attenuating effect. Specifically, the female-friendly film evoked more sexual arousal and much less disgust than the original porn film. However, the sexual arousal and disgust scores did not show an effect on pain intensity as there were no significant differences in pain intensity across conditions. Additionally, it was found that feelings of disgust lowered the pain threshold. Specifically, the original porn condition showed the most disgust, and the neutral condition showed the least disgust. Subsequently, it was found that the original porn condition showed a significantly lower pain tolerance than the neutral condition. Conclusion. The research indicates that elicited disgust can amplify pain and that sexual arousal does not attenuate pain. Keywords: sexual arousal, pain threshold, sexual dysfunction, cold pressor task, women

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Jong, P.J. de and Lakhsassi, L.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Psychology (CP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	18 Apr 2023 12:05
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2023 13:36
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1901

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