ABSTRACT
Dysfunctional sexual beliefs are vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction. This cross-sectional study aimed to test the mediating role of cognitive distraction on the relationship between dysfunctional sexual beliefs about sexual functioning shared by men and women and sexual function. The authors used a sample of 421 cisgender heterosexual participants involved in a monogamous relationship. The hypothesized mediation model was tested using a bootstrapped cross product of coefficients approach. Results showed a significant negative, indirect effect between dysfunctional sexual beliefs and women's sexual function through cognitive distraction. The discussion of this study highlights the importance of cognitive factors in sexual functioning.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the BIAL Foundation for the financial support that made this work possible (Fellowship #167/12), and Miye Tom, Leonor Oliveira, Catarina Raposo, and Rodrigo Brito for their support.