STRESS-INDUCING FACTORS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS AND THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY FOR OVERCOMING

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical study of the cause-and-effect relationship between stress and associated psychological disorders that can be triggered by wartime situations and disruptions in human sexual functioning. The characteristics of the main disorders directly related to stress are considered as psychosocial factors in the emergence of sexual dysfunctions. Attention is paid to the psychophysiological mechanisms of stress on the body, through the initiation of hormonal adaptive reactions and their influence on the reproductive system. For the first time, a model of the cyclic interrelationship between stress and sexual dysfunction is proposed, mediated by the quality of relationships within a couple. External stressors relative to the couple, associated with the wartime situation, may serve as a trigger for sexual dysfunction in one or both partners. In turn, conflicts within the couple due to dissatisfaction with sexual life create distress in relationships, which becomes a factor in maintaining sexual dysfunction. Conversely, improving satisfaction with sexual interaction contributes to reducing the level of stress and anxiety. Relying on a comprehensive concept of sexual health and the model of "good enough sex," a strategy for the therapy of sexual dysfunctions is proposed. The strategy is implemented through the development of a sense of comfort and security within the couple and the ability to derive pleasure from varied sexual interaction. Greater importance is given to sexual desire and satisfaction than to physical arousal or orgasm. Special attention is paid to cooperation between partners, changing beliefs, and mutual expectations regarding sex to be more flexible and realistic. Therapy for sexual dysfunctions is considered as an opportunity to improve the level of intimacy between partners and satisfaction with relationships as a whole. Further research may be directed at validating the obtained results by implementing theoretical findings into psychotherapeutic practice for individuals suffering from stress-induced sexual dysfunctions due to the wartime situation, as well as conducting empirical studies on the effectiveness of the proposed models.