Journal article
The effects of bilateral stimulation using eye movements on sexual fantasies with follow-up
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, Vol.79, pp.1-9
2023
Abstract
Background and objectives: Sexual fantasies represent a common aspect of human sexuality that can support sexual well-being but also contribute to psychopathology. The latter warrants intervention and bilateral stimulation with eye movements (EMs) may be a suitable intervention for impairing mental imagery of sexual fantasies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of multiple rounds of EMs on sexual fantasies, gauge the effect over time with a one-week follow-up, and assess how impaired sexual imagery may influence behaviour and behavioural intention. Methods: Twenty-eight participants (14 male, Mage = 44.10, SDage = 9.77) selected a favoured sexual fantasy and engaged in five repeated rounds of an EM task, either face-to-face or via telehealth. Baseline phenomeno-logical characteristics of sexual fantasies were compared against repeated measures after each round of EMs and at one-week follow-up, as well as hypothetical behavioural intention and frequency of fantasy masturbation. Results: All sexual fantasy characteristics (e.g., vividness, sensations, arousal, believability) diminished progressively between each round of EMs. These characteristics increased from round five to follow-up. However, they remained significantly reduced compared to baseline. Participants' hypothetical behavioural intention and frequency of masturbation associated with their sexual fantasies also reduced post-EM task. Limitations: Use of self-report measures; participants' mental imagery could not be measured directly; and no comparison groups were included. Conclusions: As an imagery impairing task, bilateral stimulation with EMs is effective for diminishing the phenomenological properties of sexual fantasies, extending upon extant literature. Collectively, the progressive research regarding EMs and sexual fantasies encourages replication in specific populations (e.g., individuals with problematic or harmful sexual fantasies).
Details
- Title
- The effects of bilateral stimulation using eye movements on sexual fantasies with follow-up
- Authors
- Andrew Allen (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyNadine McKillop (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sexual Violence Research and Prevention UnitMary Katsikitis (Author) - Flinders UniversityPrudence Millear (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, Vol.79, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101826
- ISSN
- 1873-7943
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Psychology; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit; School of Law and Society; Engage Research Lab
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99694798902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology, Clinical
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Source: InCites