Is Sexual Aversion a Distinct Disorder or a Trans-Diagnostic Symptom across Sexual Dysfunctions? A Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

Sexual aversion disorder (SAD) is a chronic condition that impacts sexual and psychological well-being. However, the relevance of SAD as a discrete disorder remains highly debated. This study aimed to clarify the status of SAD as either a distinct disorder or a trans-diagnostic symptom shared among sexual dysfunctions. This cross-sectional study used a latent class analysis approach among a Canadian community sample (n = 1,363) to identify how patterns of SAD symptoms (i.e., sexual fear, disgust, and avoidance) emerge across different spheres of sexual functioning (i.e., desire and arousal, erection or lubrication, genito-pelvic pain, and orgasm) and examine sociodemographic and psychosexual correlates of the identified classes. Examination of fit indices suggested four classes: Sexually functional, Impaired desire and responsiveness, Sexual aversion, and Comorbid sexual dysfunctions. Sexual aversion class members were more likely to be single, had experienced sexual assault in adulthood, and report lower levels of sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being, compared to Sexually functional class members. Results suggest that SAD is a distinct clinical syndrome, while its symptoms may co-occur with other sexual dysfunctions. To ensure that the needs of people with SAD are met with tailored treatment options, future nosography might consider reclassifying SAD as a specific disorder.

Transparency and data availability statement

The processed data and Latent Gold syntax can be accessed here, and the survey questionnaire is available at this [link: https://osf.io/gxc7p/]. This paper is based on a secondary analysis of a larger study on sexual health. Previous publications have presented descriptive prevalence of SAD and sexual dysfunctions within the total sample (Lafortune et al., 2022, 2023b), while this study use a probabilistic modeling approach on a subsample to examine the diagnostic status of SAD.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Université du Québec à Montréal.