In the face of sexual dysfunction, how much weight do partners' attitudes and actions have? Psychological adaptation is often influenced by individual efforts but also depends on social support. In this context, research shows that partner support plays an important role in the wellbeing of those who experience sexual difficulties.
Partner Support
Partner support refers to the emotional and practical help provided by romantic partners during times of hardship. It can include listening, reassurance, encouragement, advice, assistance, and physical contact. During episodes of sexual dysfunction, it could involve understanding, validation, sympathy, empathy, and comfort. Partners can also provide logistical aid such as access to professional services, transportation, money, or childcare. Researchers found that these forms of support are critical for coping with distress related to sex problems.
The Link Between Sexual Dysfunction and Partner Support
Partner support has been shown to mitigate the negative impact of sexual issues across a wide range of domains.
Studies show that it reduces feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, isolation, fear, anxiety, and depression caused by sexual inadequacy. It enhances confidence, self-esteem, hopefulness, optimism, resilience, motivation, and desire. Partner support improves communication about intimate matters and promotes relationship satisfaction. It makes people feel loved, cared for, valued, respected, appreciated, cherished, wanted, needed, and desired. Conversely, lack of support can lead to loneliness, hostility, betrayal, anger, jealousy, hurt, despair, humiliation, withdrawal, disengagement, and estrangement.
Types of Supportive Behavior
Supportive behavior can be verbal or nonverbal. Verbal expressions might be reassuring (e.g., "I love you just the way you are"), affirming (e.g., "You're not broken," "It's okay"), or empowering (e.g., "We can solve this together"). Nonverbal demonstrations could include hugs, kisses, touch, eye contact, physical closeness, or affection. In general, emotional support is key because it shows partners genuine care, concern, and compassion.
Practical assistance is also helpful when it comes to finding solutions and pursuing them jointly.
The Role of Trust
Trust plays a significant role in determining how effective partner support will be. When trust is low, partners may hesitate to share their struggles, fear that they won't be understood or accepted, or worry that sharing will damage the relationship. This undermines confidence, discourages self-disclosure, decreases openness, prevents problem solving, and reduces intimacy. Building trust requires honesty, vulnerability, transparency, reliability, dependability, commitment, consistency, predictability, accountability, and empathy. It's crucial for creating a safe space where partners feel comfortable being honest about their sexual difficulties and seeking help.
What role does partner support play in the psychological adaptation to sexual dysfunction?
Partner support can play an important role in helping individuals with sexual dysfunction adapt psychologically. Partners who are understanding and empathetic towards their loved one's struggles may be more likely to provide the necessary encouragement and reassurance that is needed for successful treatment outcomes. Additionally, partners who engage in open communication about their needs and desires may help foster positive sexual experiences that build intimacy and trust between both parties.