Abstract

ALMEIDA, Laís  and  PEREIRA, Henrique. Defensive styles and sexual functioning in adults. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2020, vol.21, n.2, pp.236-249. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/20psd210201.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the interface between defensive styles and sexual functioning. The study design was descriptive, transversal, correlational and counted with 1170 participants, of Portuguese and Brazilian nationalities, among whom 359 are men (30.7%) and 801 (68.5%) are women aged between 18 and 81 years (M = 28.9, SD = 11.9). The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and Massachusetts General Hospital - Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ). The results point to positive correlations between levels of defense and sexual performance, satisfaction with life, general happiness and health. The style was negatively correlated with these variables, while the sexual control was maintained positive. The results were corroborated by the literature, which points out a relationship between the use of mature defenses and a better sexual functioning and in other areas of life. Finally, the need to investigate the relationship between defensive styles and sexual functioning was better explained. In addition to the article, this project has a theoretical annex where all the constructs addressed are elaborated in order to deepen and consolidate the theoretical foundations of the presente empirical article.

Keywords : defensive styles; defense mechanisms; sexual functioning.

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