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27 - Sexual dysfunction across cultures

from Part IV - Theoretical aspects of management

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2009

Dinesh Bhugra
Affiliation:
Mental Health and Cultural Diversity Section of Cultural Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry King's College London De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK
Padmal de Silva
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology PO Box 77 Institute of Psychiatry King's College De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK
Dinesh Bhugra
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
Kamaldeep Bhui
Affiliation:
Barts & The London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry
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Summary

EDITORS' INTRODUCTION

Sex and sexual dysfunction are fairly universal behaviours across cultures, ethnic groups and societies. The presentation of sexual dysfunction varies according to the cultural norms. Societies have been described as sex positive (where sex is seen as a pleasurable activity) or sex negative. Thus, within sex-positive societies, sexual activity is more likely to be for pleasure, whereas in sex-negative societies, sex is more for procreative purposes and less for personal pleasure.

Bhugra and de Silva provide an overview of some epidemiological findings of sexual dysfunctions in the West and selected cultures. The gender roles and role expectations also influence how sexual activity and sexual dysfunction are seen and how help is sought. From groups where sex is purely for procreative purposes, it is possible that women are more likely to be referred via gynaecologists and obstetricians. Thus, their motivation for treatment will also vary. Use of indigenous methods of treatment and delays in seeking help complicate matters further. The authors indicate that prevalence of sexual dysfunction will depend upon a number of factors, most of which are environmental and social. Placing sexual dysfunction and its management in the cultural context means that the outcome can be improved. The affective states and cognitive schema also vary across cultures, thereby making the task of the therapist more difficult.

Introduction

Sex is one of the basic human instincts and over the centuries its functions have shifted from procreation to pleasure.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2007

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  • Sexual dysfunction across cultures
    • By Dinesh Bhugra, Mental Health and Cultural Diversity Section of Cultural Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry King's College London De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK, Padmal de Silva, Department of Psychology PO Box 77 Institute of Psychiatry King's College De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK
  • Edited by Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, London, Kamaldeep Bhui
  • Book: Textbook of Cultural Psychiatry
  • Online publication: 11 August 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511543609.029
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  • Sexual dysfunction across cultures
    • By Dinesh Bhugra, Mental Health and Cultural Diversity Section of Cultural Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry King's College London De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK, Padmal de Silva, Department of Psychology PO Box 77 Institute of Psychiatry King's College De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK
  • Edited by Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, London, Kamaldeep Bhui
  • Book: Textbook of Cultural Psychiatry
  • Online publication: 11 August 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511543609.029
Available formats
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To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Sexual dysfunction across cultures
    • By Dinesh Bhugra, Mental Health and Cultural Diversity Section of Cultural Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry King's College London De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK, Padmal de Silva, Department of Psychology PO Box 77 Institute of Psychiatry King's College De Crespigny Park London SE5 8AF UK
  • Edited by Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, London, Kamaldeep Bhui
  • Book: Textbook of Cultural Psychiatry
  • Online publication: 11 August 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511543609.029
Available formats
×