Gender Differences in the Development of Sexual Excitation and Inhibition Through the Life Course: Preliminary Findings from a Representative Study in Flanders

Abstract

The dual control model proposes that there are individual differences in the propensity for sexual excitation and sexual inhibition. Research to date has considered the effect of age on these traits as a simple linear effect, and studies examining gender differences in age effects are lacking. There are, however, indications that the associations of age with excitation and inhibition are nonlinear and that there might be gender differences in these associations. The aim of this study was to examine how these traits develop through an individual's life and whether there are gender differences in this development. In this study we applied polynomial regression analyses to examine the interaction effects of age and gender on sexual excitation and inhibition. We used data from a representative cross-sectional survey on sexual health in Flanders (N = 1,825; mean age = 43.77; SD = 17.98). Most of the associations of excitation and inhibition with age were nonlinear, and there were substantial gender differences in these associations. This indicates that the interplay between age, gender, and excitation and inhibition should be taken into account in research on (dys)functional sexuality.

Psychometric properties of the Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women and Men (SESII-W/M) and the Sexual Excitation Scales/Sexual Inhibition Scales short form (SIS/SES-SF) in a population-based sample in Germany

“…Largest gender-differences were found concerning relationship importance ( d = 0.72), SES1 ( d = 0.58), arousability ( d = 0.56), inhibitory cognitions ( d = 0.51), SIS2 ( d = 0.46), SES2 ( d = 0.44), and SIS1 ( d = 0.38). This finding is in line with previous studies that reported such gender-differences based on observed scores, not latent means [ 12 , 21 , 24 ]. These results are also in accordance with the dual control model’s assumptions [ 2 ] and can be explained by evolutionary mechanisms [ 61 ] as well as differences in social learning [ 62 ].…”

“…As the likelihood for sexual dysfunctions such as erectile problems or low desire increases with age [ 67 ], concerns or worries about sexual performance may become more salient. The age-related pattern is in line with the one other study that used the SIS/SES-SF in a population-based representative sample [ 14 , 21 ]. Their analysis, however, revealed an interaction between the effect of age and gender on SIS1, with men showing a linear increase in SIS1 with age, and women showing a u-shaped pattern with highest values reported between 40 and 50 years of age.…”

“…None of the scales were significantly correlated with a measure of social desirability [ 20 ]. Using the SIS/SES-SF in a representative survey of the general population in Flanders, Belgium, SE and SI showed a close to normal distribution and, additionally, the proposed gender differences were replicated [ 14 , 21 ]. As measurement invariance of the Belgian version was not reported, it remains unclear if the requirements for such gender comparisons were met and whether the gender differences can be validly interpreted.…”

“…While a translated version of the SIS/SES-SF was available [ 28 ], the SESII-W/M was translated by the authors following principles of good practice for patient-related outcome measures [ 30 ]. Research has shown that men compared to women show higher levels of SE and lower levels of SI [ 21 , 24 ]. In addition, several studies have identified age-related differences in both factors [ 21 ].…”

“…Research has shown that men compared to women show higher levels of SE and lower levels of SI [ 21 , 24 ]. In addition, several studies have identified age-related differences in both factors [ 21 ]. Even though the need for more diverse and representative samples has been acknowledged [ 29 ], most studies still report findings based on highly educated, young student samples.…”