Anxiety increases sexual arousal
Abstract
12 21-30 yr old males who were trained to expect tolerance-level electric shocks viewed an erotic film under 3 counterbalanced conditions. In 1 condition, Ss viewed the erotic film in conjunction with a signal light indicating threat of shock. A 2nd light indicated threat of shock if Ss did not achieve an erection of a certain size. A 3rd light indicated no shock. Both anxiety-inducing shock-threat conditions increased penile size response over and above the no-shock-threat condition. Furthermore, shock threat contingent on size of erection produced more arousal than noncontingent-shock threat. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1983 American Psychological Association.
Publication Title
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
Recommended Citation
Barlow, D., Sakheim, D., & Beck, J. (1983). Anxiety increases sexual arousal. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 92 (1), 49-54. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.92.1.49
