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Metacognitions in heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual men: with or without premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2020

Phoenix Lawless ,
Geoff P. Lovell Open the ORCID record for Geoff P. Lovell [Opens in a new window] ,
Andrew Allen Open the ORCID record for Andrew Allen [Opens in a new window]  and
Lee Kannis-Dymand Open the ORCID record for Lee Kannis-Dymand [Opens in a new window]
Phoenix Lawless
Affiliation:
School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, Queensland4558, Australia
Geoff P. Lovell
Affiliation:
School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, Queensland4558, Australia
Andrew Allen*
Affiliation:
School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, Queensland4558, Australia Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, Queensland4575, Australia
Lee Kannis-Dymand
Affiliation:
School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, Queensland4558, Australia Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, Queensland4575, Australia
*
*Corresponding author. Email: aallen2@usc.edu.au
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Abstract

Background:

Premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are prevalent sexual problems, with evidence to suggest variation across sexual orientation. Contributing factors have traditionally been divided into organic and psychological categories. While limited research has found support for the influence of metacognitive beliefs, these studies did not investigate potential differences in sexual orientation.

Aim:

The current study aimed to investigate the differences in metacognitive beliefs in men with or without PE and/or ED and whether these varied according to sexual orientation.

Method:

A sample of 531 men was recruited (65 met criteria for PE only, 147 for ED, 83 with PE and ED, and 236 healthy controls). Within this sample, 188 men identified as heterosexual, 144 as bisexual, and 199 as homosexual. Participants completed a cross-sectional online survey consisting of psychometric measures.

Results:

Participants with PE and ED were significantly higher in cognitive confidence, thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, and need to control thoughts than PE only, ED only, and healthy controls. Furthermore, the PE only group was significantly higher than healthy controls for cognitive confidence, with the ED significantly higher for thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger. There were no significant differences between differing sexual orientations for men with/or without PE and/or ED.

Conclusions:

Congruent with previous research, metacognitive beliefs play a role in PE and/or ED, although this is not exclusive to sexual orientation. The findings highlight that assessment and intervention regarding metacognitive beliefs may be beneficial for men of all sexual orientations with PE and/or ED.

Keywords

erectile dysfunctionmetacognitionmetacognitive beliefspremature ejaculationsexual dysfunctionsexual orientation
Type
Main
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 49 , Issue 5 , September 2021 , pp. 612 - 625
Copyright
© British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2020

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