Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Combined-Constructionist Therapeutic Approach to Couples Experiencing Erectile Dysfunction: Part II

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Contemporary Family Therapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper is Part II of an exploration of the treatment and conceptualization of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). In the past two decades, there has been a shift in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction to more medically based approaches. Part I of the paper presented the role of biomedical and organic factors involved in ED. However, although important for the couple therapist to understand, by focusing only on the bio-medical aspects of ED, the couple may face new issues in their considerably different relationship with sex now a part of their lives. The current paper, while respectful of the medical model approach, emphasizes the overall quality of the couple relationship, presenting information on the psychological and systemic therapies and issues that may be related to Erectile Dysfunction, encouraging a combined-constructionist approach.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anderson, H., & Goolishian, H. A. (1988). Human systems as linguistic systems: Preliminary and evolving ideas about the implications for clinical theory. Family Process, 27, 371–393.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Araujo, A. B., Durante, R., Feldman, H. A., Goldstein, I., & McKinlay, J. B. (1998). The relationship between depressive symptoms and male erectile dysfunction: Cross-sectional results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 60(4), 458–465.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Atwood, J. D. (1992). Family therapy: A systemic-behavioral approach. Chicago: Nelson Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Atwood, J. D. (2001). Sexual dysfunctions and sex therapy. In J. Wetchler (Ed.), An introduction to marriage and family therapy (pp. 369–397). New York: Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Atwood, J. (2004). Sexual issues in family therapy. In R. H. Coombs (Ed.), Family therapy review (pp. 277–299). Mahwah, NJ: Houghton Mifflin/Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Atwood, J. D., & Dershowitz, S. (1992). Constructing a sex and marital therapy frame: Ways to help couples deconstruct sexual problems. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 18(3) 196–218.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Atwood, J. D., & Weinstein, E. (1989). The couple relationship as the focus of sex therapy: The integration of sex therapy ideas and techniques with marital and family therapy. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 10(3), 161–168.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bancroft, J. (1990). Man and his penis: A relationship under threat? Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 2, 6–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck, J. G., & Barlow, D. H. (1989). Current conceptualizations of sexual dysfunction: A review and an alternative perspective. Clinical Psychology Review, 4, 363–378.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boscolo, L., & Bertrando, P. (1993). The times of time: A new perspective in systemic therapy and consultation. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burg, J. E., & Sprenkle, D. H. (1996). Sex therapy. In F. P. Piercy, D. H. Sprenkle, J. L. Wetchler, & Associates (Eds.), Family therapy sourcebook (2nd ed.) (pp. 163–180). New York: Guilford Press.

  • Carson, C., Kirby, R., & Goldstein, I. (1999). Textbook of erectile dysfunction. Oxford, UK: Isis Medical Media.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dicks, H. V. (1967). Marital tension: Clinical studies towards a psychoanalytic theory of interaction. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunn, M. E. (2004) Restoration of couple’s intimacy and relationship vital to reestablishing erectile function. Journal of the American Osteopathic Assocation, 104, S6–S10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feldman, H. A., Goldstein, I., Hatzichristou, D. G., Krane, R. J., & McKinlay, J. B. (1994). Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: Results of the Massachusetts male aging study. Journal of Urology, 151, 54–61.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Furman, B., & Ahola, T. (1994). Solution talk: The solution-oriented way of talking about problems. In M. F. Hoyt (Ed.), Constructive therapies (pp. 41–60). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glassmann, M. (1992). Inhibited sexual desire disorder: Toward an integrative approach. In J. D. Atwood (Ed.), Family therapy: Systemic behavioral approach (pp. 261–271). Chicago: Nelson-Hall Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, J. (2004). Men are from mars: Women are from venus: A classic guide to understanding the opposite sex. New York: Harper Collins Paperbacks.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawton, K., Catalan, J., & Fagg, J. (1992). Sex therapy for erectile dysfunction: Characterisitcs of couples, treatment outcome, and prognostic factors. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 21, 161–176.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hawton, K. (1998). Integration of treatment of erectile dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 338, 1397–1404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heiman, J., & LoPiccolo, J. (1988). Becoming orgasmic, 2nd ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hendrix, H. (1988). Getting the love you want: A guide for couples. New York: Harper/Perennial.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, H. (1974). The new sex therapy. New York: Brunner Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, H. (1979). Disorders of desire. New York: Brunner Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laumann, E. O., Gagnon, J. G., Michael, R. T., & Michaels, S. (1994). The social organization of sexuality: Sexuality practices in the United States. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leiblum, S. R., & Rosen, R. C. (1988). Changing perspective on sexual desire. In S. R. Leiblum, & R. C. Rosen (Eds.), Sexual desire disorder (pp. 1–20). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leiblum, S. (2002). After Sildenafil: Bridging the gap between pharmocopologic treatment and satisfying sexuality. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 63(12), 1183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leiblum, S., & Rosen, R. (Eds.) (2000). Principles and practice of sex therapy, 3rd ed. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • LoPiccolo, J. (1992). Postmodern sex therapy for erectile failure. In R. C. Rosen, & S. R. Leiblum (Eds.), Erectile disorders: Assessment and treatment (pp. 171–197). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maheu, M. M., & Subotnik, R. B. (2001). Infidelity on the Internet: Virtual relationships and real betrayal. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Masters, W. H., & Johnson, V. E. (1966). Human sexual response. Boston: Little, Brown.

    Google Scholar 

  • Masters, W. H., & Johnson, V. (1970). Human sexual inadequacy. Boston: Little Brown.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minuchin, S., & Fishman, H. C. (1981). Family therapy techniques. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nichols, W. C., Everett, C. A. (1986). Systemic family therapy: An integrative approach. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norton-Pallas, J., Levine, S., Althof, S., & Rosen, R. (1999). A prospective study on the use of Viagra in a mental health professional’s practice. Unpublished paper presented at the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, Boston, MA.

  • Perelman, M. A. (2003). Sex coaching for physicians: combination treatment for patient and partner. International Journal of Impotence Research, 15, S67–S74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rosen, R. C., & Leiblum, S. (1992). Erectile disorders: An overview of historical trends and clinical perspectives. In R. C. Rosen & S. Leiblum (Eds.) Erectile disorders: Assesment and treatment. (pp. 3–26). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosen, R., Leiblum, S., & Spector, I. (1994). Psychologically-based treatment for male erectile disorder: A cognitive interpersonal model. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 20, 67–85.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, S., & Chasin, R. (1994). Entering one another’s worlds of meaning and imagination: Dramatic enactment and narrative couple therapy. In M. Hoyt (Ed.), Constructive therapies. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiavi, R. C., Schreiner-Engel, P., Mandeli, J., Schanger, H., & Cohen, E. (1990). Healthy aging and male sexual function. American Journal of Psychiatry, 147, 766–771.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schover, L. R., & Jensen, S. B. (1988). Sexuality and chronic illness: A comprehensive approach. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schnarch, D. M. (1991). Constructing the sexual crucible: An integration of sexual and marital therapy. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seidman, S. N., & Roose, S. P. (2000). The relationship between depression and erectile dysfunction. Current Psychiatric Reports, 2, 201–205.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spence, S. H. (1991). Psychosexual therapy: A cognitive-behavioral approach. London: Chapman and Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spiker, D. J., Sewitch, D. E., Zimmer, B., Marin, R. S., Nelson, J. P., & Martin, D. (1985). EEG sleep in elderly depressed, demented, and healthy subjects. Biological Psychiatry, 20(4), 431–432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weeks, G. R. (2005). The emergence of a new paradigm in sex therapy: Integration. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 20(1), 89–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weeks, G. R., & Gambescia, N. (2000). Erectile dysfunction: Integrating couple therapy, sex therapy, and medical treatment. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weeks, G. R., & Hof, L. (Eds.) (1987). Integrating sex and marital therapy: A clinical guide. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

  • White, M. (1991). Deconstruction and therapy. Dulwich Centre Newsletter, 3, 21–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willi J., (1984). Dynamics of couples therapy. New York: Jason Aronson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willi, J. (1991). Couples in collusion. New York: Jason Aronson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wincze, J., & Carey, M. (1991). Sexual dysfunction: A guide for assessment and treatment. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA

    Joan D. Atwood & Elizabeth Neaver

  2. Long Island Therapists, Rockville Center, NY, USA

    Emily Klucinec

Authors
  1. Joan D. Atwood
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Emily Klucinec
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Elizabeth Neaver
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joan D. Atwood.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Atwood, J.D., Klucinec, E. & Neaver, E. A Combined-Constructionist Therapeutic Approach to Couples Experiencing Erectile Dysfunction: Part II. Contemp Fam Ther 28, 403–418 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-006-9022-y

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-006-9022-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation