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A Phenomenology of Problematic Sexual Behavior Occurring in Sleep

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Abstract

First-person reports of individuals' experiences of problematic “sleep sex” were collected in an Internet-based study. Qualitative analysis of 121 reports yielded 6 distinct themes: (1) fear and a lack of emotional intimacy; (2) guilt and confusion; (3) a sense of repulsion and feelings of sexual abandonment; (4) shame, disappointment, and frustration; (5) annoyance and suspicion; (6) embarrassment and a sense of “self-incrimination.” Results suggest that sleep sex can elicit negative emotions and cognitions that may become a source of personal and relational distress. Clinician familiarity with problematic sleep sex may foster more effective communication with individuals presenting with such complaints.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire, Conant Hall, 10 Library Way, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824-3567

    Michael A. Mangan

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  1. Michael A. Mangan
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Mangan, M.A. A Phenomenology of Problematic Sexual Behavior Occurring in Sleep. Arch Sex Behav 33, 287–293 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ASEB.0000026628.95803.98

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ASEB.0000026628.95803.98

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