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Chapter 13: Problem 5

A key technique in sex therapy is to have a couple explore and caress each other's body (sensate focus) while resisting orgasm or intercourse. Why might people become more aroused during sexual caressing if they are prohibited from reaching orgasm or having intercourse? p. 430

Short Answer

Expert verified
The prohibition from reaching orgasm or having intercourse during sensate focus in sex therapy can increase arousal due to the enhanced anticipation and emotional excitement, alongside increased sensory awareness and focus on experiencing pleasure rather than approaching orgasm or intercourse as a goal.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Sensate Focus

Sensate focus refers to a set of specific sexual exercises for couples or for individuals to develop awareness of their own and their partner's body and their responses to different types of touch. The focus is on sensual pleasure rather than sexual stimulation. This technique often involves limiting or avoiding sexual intercourse and orgasm in the initial phases to eliminate performance pressure and anxiety that may be associated with these actions.
02

Understand the role of anticipation in arousal

Anticipation plays a crucial role in increasing arousal. When individuals are aware that they are not allowed to reach orgasm or have sexual intercourse, it can create a level of anticipation and emotional excitement. The 'forbidden' nature of these acts can heighten the psychological arousal, contributing to overall sexual arousal.
03

Acknowledge the impact of increased sensory awareness

Sensate focus exercises enhance sensory awareness. Prohibition from reaching orgasm or having intercourse directs the attention towards sensation rather than the end goal. This increased focus on the sensory experience can amplify the recognition of arousal, making the individuals feel more turned-on.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Sex is one of the topics most commonly searched on the Internet. Why might it be such a popular search topic? Is the availability of sex chat groups and other sexual material on the Internet psychologically healthy or damaging? pp. \(430,415-449\)

Prevalence rates for sexual behavior are typically based on surveys of the general population. However, many people feel that sex is private and refuse to participate in such surveys, and those who do respond tend to be more liberal, sexually experienced, and unconventional than the norm. What problems might this cause for sex researchers? pp. \(415-428\)
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