What question did this study set out to answer?

This study investigates the relationship between sexual distress related to sexual function and emotional regulation difficulties, affective states, and relational proximity.

June 6, 2026

(795) Affective States, Domains of Difficulties with Emotion Regulation, and Proximity and Their Association with Sexual Distress Related to Sexual Function: Preliminary Correlational Results

Key Points

This study investigates the relationship between sexual distress related to sexual function and emotional regulation difficulties, affective states, and relational proximity.
Cross-sectional data was collected online after IRB approval from 660 individuals using validated self-report measures.
Measures included the Sexual Function Evaluation Questionnaire, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale.
Preliminary analysis was conducted to measure correlations between variables, particularly focusing on individuals reporting sexual distress.
660 participants completed the study, with 170 experiencing sexual distress related to sexual function.
Moderate correlations were found between sexual distress and all examined variables (correlation coefficients between 0.20 and 0.50).
Further analysis through latent profile analysis will elucidate differences between those experiencing and not experiencing sexual distress.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sexual distress related to sexual function (SDRSF) refers to the emotional suffering associated with difficulties or dissatisfaction in sexual functioning. Previous research has shown that it is closely linked to anxiety and depression, demonstrating its broader psychological relevance. Despite this, the transdiagnostic factors that may underlie the emotional suffering across these conditions remain understudied. Understanding these factors could help provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind SDRSF and identify potential targets for interventions. Objective This study aims to examine the associations between SDRSF and emotion regulation difficulties, affective states, and relational proximity. Methods After IRB approval, cross-sectional data collected online was used to develop preliminary correlational data derived from self-report measures: the Factor 1 of the Sexual Function Evaluation Questionnaire (SFEQ) to measure SDRSF; the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) to evaluate psychological distress; the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) assessing Positive Affect and Negative Affect; the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) measuring Awareness, Clarity, Goals, Impulse, Non-Acceptance, and Strategies; and the Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale (IOS) to assess relational proximity. All measures and their subscales proved to be reliable (Cronbach’s alpha .70). Results A total of 660 people (500 women) participated in the study, 170 reporting the experience of SDRSF, and the preliminary analysis showed moderate correlations (r .20 and .50) of all variables with SDRSF. After a closer inspection of the assumptions, the results of a latent profile analysis will be presented, along with an analysis aimed at understanding the specificities of the results for those who experience and do not experience SDRSF. Conclusions Our preliminary results support the need to consider the role of emotional and relational variables to understand SDRSF. They are consistent with previous studies that associate sexual and psychological distress and advocate not only for interventions that are aimed at cross-diagnostic processes such as emotion regulation difficulties and affective states, but also for an integrative approach that places relationship factors as features and factors that cannot be overlooked in both the evaluation and the intervention. The results also highlight that theoretical and practical training in comprehensive models of mental health may contribute to a more accurate intervention in the context of Sex Therapy. Disclosure No

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