Sexual Fantasy and Attitudes as Functions of Sex of Subject and Content of Erotica

The effects of erotic content and subject sex on sexual fantasy were mediated by general sexual attitudes. When erotic content consisted of mild erotica showing males rather than females, male subjects ( N=123) expressed significantly more negative themes in briefer fantasy productions than females ( N=123). Analyses of affective and arousal responses to single-sex and heterosexual erotica indicated patterns generally consistent with the fantasy outcomes. Negative sexual attitudes were associated with negatively-toned fantasies, more negative affect, and less sexual arousal. Variations in affective and arousal responses to erotic stimuli, as discussed by the theory of the Sexual Behavior Sequence, were demonstrated to extend to the production of sexual fantasy.