Sexual dysfunction across cultures

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511543609.029

27 - Sexual dysfunction across cultures

from Part IV - Theoretical aspects of management

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 August 2009

Dinesh Bhugra and

Padmal de Silva

Edited by

Dinesh Bhugra and

Kamaldeep Bhui

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Dinesh Bhugra: Affiliation:
Mental Health and Cultural Diversity Section of Cultural Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry King's College London De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK
Padmal de Silva: Affiliation:
Department of Psychology PO Box 77 Institute of Psychiatry King's College De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK
Dinesh Bhugra: Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
Kamaldeep Bhui: Affiliation:
Barts & The London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry

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Summary

EDITORS' INTRODUCTION

Sex and sexual dysfunction are fairly universal behaviours across cultures, ethnic groups and societies. The presentation of sexual dysfunction varies according to the cultural norms. Societies have been described as sex positive (where sex is seen as a pleasurable activity) or sex negative. Thus, within sex-positive societies, sexual activity is more likely to be for pleasure, whereas in sex-negative societies, sex is more for procreative purposes and less for personal pleasure.

Bhugra and de Silva provide an overview of some epidemiological findings of sexual dysfunctions in the West and selected cultures. The gender roles and role expectations also influence how sexual activity and sexual dysfunction are seen and how help is sought. From groups where sex is purely for procreative purposes, it is possible that women are more likely to be referred via gynaecologists and obstetricians. Thus, their motivation for treatment will also vary. Use of indigenous methods of treatment and delays in seeking help complicate matters further. The authors indicate that prevalence of sexual dysfunction will depend upon a number of factors, most of which are environmental and social. Placing sexual dysfunction and its management in the cultural context means that the outcome can be improved. The affective states and cognitive schema also vary across cultures, thereby making the task of the therapist more difficult.

Introduction

Sex is one of the basic human instincts and over the centuries its functions have shifted from procreation to pleasure.

Type: Chapter
Information: Textbook of Cultural Psychiatry , pp. 364 - 378

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511543609.029 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2007

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