Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

1314

Date

2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Counseling Psychology

Committee Chair

Sara K. Bridges

Committee Member

Nancy Nishimura

Committee Member

Douglas Strohmer

Committee Member

Yonghong Jade Xu

Abstract

Having sexual fantasies is a common experience for men and women throughout their lives, typically beginning during the time of puberty. The existing body of research involving sexual fantasies illustrates that there are positive aspects related to experiencing sexual fantasies as well as negative emotions that may arise as a result, making it important to understand the factors that predict sexual fantasies. Moreover, societal pressures for thinness and muscularity can lead to body image self-consciousness (BISC) and have an impact on one's sexual fantasies. Fantasies can be used to increase arousal, pleasure, and enjoyment even though one's experience of his or her body may lead to feelings of self-consciousness or negative body image concerns. The present study explored the relationships among BISC, gender, and the type and frequency of sexual fantasies that individuals experience, while controlling for age and frequency of erotica use. The study analyzed responses from 96 women and 59 men, and BISC and gender did not significantly predict type or frequency of sexual fantasies above and beyond the control variables. Limitations are discussed and the implications for how these results may inform and influence researchers and mental health professionals are provided.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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