Conceptualizing sexual arousal and attraction

Abstract

Conceptual and empirical uncertainties concerning the measurement of sexual arousal are discussed. An initial sexual arousal trichotomy of aesthetic, approach, and genital responses is proposed. This proposal is meant to stimulate research and theory. Sexual arousal may take place through central processes, independent of somatic and visceral sensation. However, this fact need not diminish the utility of measuring sexual arousal affectively and somatically, and partitioning its components, in normal functioning. Finally, speculations are offered concerning the interactions, sequencing, and separate determinants of the three proposed components.