Sexual dysfunctions in marriage: a qualitative study of couples' perspectives in Hong Kong

Abstract

This article aims to explore Chinese couples' perspectives on sexual dysfunctions in the socio-cultural context of Hong Kong. It enables us to expand our understanding of sexual dysfunction, from etiology to an understanding of human significance. In this qualitative study employed with in-depth interviews, eight couples with sexual dysfunctions were recruited to provide personal accounts of marital experience and perceived significance of sexual dysfunctions in marriage. According to the findings, the spouses reported diversified marital relationships and their views of sexual dysfunctions were inter-subjective in light of socioeconomic, relational and temporal context, more than as a biological given. They interpreted sexual dysfunction in a horizon of temporality stretching through past, present and future, from the sphere of coitus to the sphere beyond coitus. Besides, their reproductive plans were emphasized. Stress arising from their busy lives with household conditions and in socioeconomic context was prominent. In addition, the spouses also sought alternatives for satisfaction apart from coitus, e.g., masturbation, caressing, hugging, kissing and sweet words.

本文旨在探索华人伴侣在香港社会文化背景之下对性功能障碍的观点，让我们能够加深对性功能障碍的理解，从病因扩展到对人的意义。是次质性研究采用深入访谈的方法，并招募了八对有性功能障碍的伴侣，请他们就婚姻的经验以及性功能障碍对婚姻的影响提供个人的见解。根据调查结果，夫妻双方反映了多元化的婚姻关系，以及他们以从社会经济、关系和时空等多元的角度看性功能障碍，而非把它视为生理上的必然。他们以时空的层面解释性功能失调，由过去、现在伸延至未来，由性交的领域伸延至性交以外的领域。此外，她们还特别强调生育计划，认为繁忙的生活、家庭条件和社会经济环境皆非常明显造成了压力。另外，夫妻双方都从性交以外的替代品中寻求满足感，如自慰、爱抚、拥抱、接吻或甜言蜜语。

Keywords::

• sexual dysfunctions
• Chinese marriage
• qualitative study
• interpretation
• socio-cultural context