Scripting sexual function: a qualitative investigation

The biomedical model assumes universal agreement in what it means to have a functioning sex life. In reality there is significant variation in the criteria that individuals employ in assessing their sex lives. We use a scripting approach to understand the meaning of sexual function from a lay perspe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sociology of health & illness 2011-05, Vol.33 (4), p.540-553
Main Authors: Mitchell, Kirstin R., Wellings, Kaye, Nazareth, Irwin, King, Michael, Mercer, Catherine H., Johnson, Anne M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
biomedical model
Biomedicine
Coitus - physiology
Coitus - psychology
Emotions
Evaluation
Female
Gender
Genitals
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Intimacy
Male
Measurement
Medical Model
Middle Aged
Models, Theoretical
Orgasm
Personal Satisfaction
Qualitative analysis
qualitative research
script theory
Security
Sex
sex therapy
Sexual behavior
Sexual Behavior - psychology
Sexual Dysfunction
sexual function
Sexual intercourse
Sexuality
Sociology
Young Adult
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Summary:The biomedical model assumes universal agreement in what it means to have a functioning sex life. In reality there is significant variation in the criteria that individuals employ in assessing their sex lives. We use a scripting approach to understand the meaning of sexual function from a lay perspective. Based on the accounts of 32 individuals representing a range of sexual function experience, we identified three scripts employed by participants to describe their sexual experiences: the biomedical script emphasised genital function and physical release (orgasm), the relational script focused on relational aspects of encounters and valued emotional intimacy and security; and the erotic script focused on pleasure and valued novelty and excitement. Respondent accounts usually contained elements of more than one script, but often one of these was prominent. At the intra‐psychic level each script serves as a schema, comprising priorities, expectations and evaluative criteria. In the context of sex therapy, this scripting approach may help shed light on the sources of sexual difficulties. Our findings also challenge the current domination of the biomedical script in measuring, diagnosing and treating sexual dysfunction, since the construct does not adequately reflect the priorities of those who prioritise alternative scripts.
ISSN:0141-9889
1467-9566
DOI:10.1111/j.1467-9566.2011.01318.x