Men's Sexual Arousal and Desire
Factor's that Enhance or Inhibit Male Desire and Sexual Arousal
A focus group study by the researchers at the Kinsey Institute finds that men are not as simple as commonly believed. Turn-ons and turn-offs vary widely among men.
The researchers at the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction at Indiana University have published a study that examines the factors that influence sexual arousal in men. However, this study differs from the large body of research that currently exists because instead of hooking participants up to machines that measure brain activity, erections, or increased heart rate, Erick Janssen and his co-authors conducted focus groups where they sat down and talked to men.
Janssen and his team divided 50 male participants into groups based on their age: 18-24, 26-46, and 46 and older. Two groups for each age category were presented three topics for discussion including sexual arousal and its components, sexual desire and its relationship to sexual arousal, and factors that enhance or inhibit sexual arousal.
The findings challenge the notion that men are simple. Their findings suggest that future research should be conducted with less emphasis on the differences between men and women and focus on the differences among men and women.
In regards to sexual arousal the researchers conclude, “erection is neither an adequate nor a sufficient criterion for sexual arousal in men.” Participants stated that an erection does not always equal sexual arousal. Men in the older age group also noted that they did not always have an erection when they were sexually aroused.
Consistent with previous research, this study found the men did not easily separate sexual interest and sexual arousal. Each age group stated that a sexual interest often leads to arousal. But, they also said that sometimes their arousal led to a sexual interest.
Lastly, researchers questioned the participants about factors that enhance or inhibit sexual arousal. What they found was that one man’s turn on could be another man’s turn off. Several themes did emerge, though. A man’s self-esteem was identified as an important factor. Participants said that when they felt attractive it enhanced their sexual arousal, but when they felt unattractive it inhibited their arousal. Men also said that their partner’s desire and self -esteem were contributing factors. Feeling emotionally connected to their partner also emerged as an important theme. The researchers note that this was dominant among older men, but the younger age groups also spoke of the importance of feeling emotionally connected.
Janssen points out that this research is part of a larger agenda at the Kinsey Institute of looking at individual differences and dates back to Alfred C. Kinsey’s original work.
Source:
"Factors that Influence Sexual Arousal in Men: A Focus Group Study," Archives of Sexual Behavior, April, 2008. Vol. 37, No. 2.
