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Non-Erotic Cognitive Distractions During Sexual Activity in Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Young Adults

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Abstract

The present study examined 100 lesbian and gay college students and 100 heterosexual students to determine whether group differences exist in frequency of a range of non-erotic cognitive distractions during sexual activity. Non-erotic cognitive distraction is a descriptive term for both self-evaluative cognitions related to physical performance and body image concerns, as well as additional cognitive distractions (e.g., contracting an STI or emotional concerns) during sexual activity. Participants were matched on gender (96 males and 104 females), age, and ethnicity, and completed questionnaires assessing frequency of non-erotic cognitive distractions during sexual activity, as well as measures of additional variables (trait and body image anxiety, attitudes toward sexual minorities, self-esteem, and religiosity). Results indicated that sexual minorities experienced significantly more cognitive distractions related to body image, physical performance, and STIs during sexual activity than heterosexuals. Regarding gender, men reported more distractions related to STIs than women. Interaction effects were observed between sexual orientation and gender for body image-, disease-, and external/emotional-based distractions. Implications of these findings are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL, 32816-1390, USA

    Katharine Lacefield & Charles Negy

Authors
  1. Katharine Lacefield
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  2. Charles Negy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katharine Lacefield.

Appendix

Appendix

Non-Erotic Cognitive Distractions Questionnaire

People often have thoughts during their sexual encounters that detract from the quality of the experience. Please respond to the following items in reference to the last few times you have engaged in sexual activity.

  1. 1.

    During sexual activity, I worry about how my body looks.

    1

    2

    3

    4

    5

    Never

    Rarely

    Sometimes

    Often

    Always

  2. 2.

    It is difficult to enjoy sex because of my concerns over how my body appears to my partner.

  3. 3.

    During sexual activity, I think about how unattractive my body is.

  4. 4.

    During sexual activity, I worry that my partner will get turned off by seeing my body without clothes.

  5. 5.

    During sexual activity, I prefer to be in a position such that my partner cannot see my body.

  6. 6.

    During sexual activity, I worry that my partner may not enjoy the activity with me.

  7. 7.

    During sexual activity, I worry that my partner will not have an orgasm.

  8. 8.

    I worry about whether my actions are satisfying my partner during sexual activity.

  9. 9.

    During sexual activity, I am distracted by thoughts about my sexual performance.

  10. 10.

    During sexual activity, I have concerns that someone may see or catch me in the act.

  11. 11.

    I worry about getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) during sexual activity.

  12. 12.

    I worry about getting AIDS during sexual activity.

  13. 13.

    During sexual activity, I worry that someone may overhear what I am doing.

  14. 14.

    During sexual activity, I feel guilty about having sex.

  15. 15.

    During sexual activity, I feel like I am doing something immoral or sinful.

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Lacefield, K., Negy, C. Non-Erotic Cognitive Distractions During Sexual Activity in Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Young Adults. Arch Sex Behav 41, 391–400 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-011-9792-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-011-9792-7

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