(269) Distress with Sexual Function in LGB+ Individuals: Proposal for a Scoping Review
Authors: Manão A A , Carvalho S A , Pascoal P M 
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Distress associated with sexual function, usually described as “sexual distress” is typically defined as an intense negative emotional experience. It has gained significant attention in research, mainly due to its inclusion as a mandatory criterion for diagnosing sexual dysfunctions (SD). Literature suggests that sexual distress with sexual function can have wide-ranging implications, negatively affecting mental health, relationship dynamics, and overall well-being. Studies specifically targeting LGB+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other minority sexual orientations) people reveal that lesbian women commonly report distress related to sexual pain, difficulties with arousal, and low interest and desire for sexual activities. Additionally, research has indicated a high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among gay men (e.g., erectile dysfunction). Regarding bisexual people, women in same-gender relationships may have high levels of sexual pain when compared with women in mixed-gender relationships. Furthermore, men in same-gender-oriented relationships reported a higher frequency of sexual problems when compared to men in mixed-gender relationships, who frequently reported anodyspareunia and difficulties with erect function.

Objective

Given the reported existence of sexual distress with sexual function in LGB+ people, exploring its specific correlates in LGB+ people is crucial, expanding knowledge in this field. We seek to answer the following research question: "What does the literature report/describe about sexual distress in LGB+ people and its correlates?". We aim to map all knowledge and gaps as well as clinical and research implications related to sexual distress in LGB+ people.

Methods

We will develop a scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework (2005) and follow PRISMA guidelines and an open-science framework. We will consider relevant information such as publication year, country, sample demographics, methodological approach, study objectives, variables associated with sexual distress in LGB+ people, presence of a diagnosis of SD, comorbidity, and primary outcomes (e.g., sexual distress levels, sexual function, help-seeking behaviors). The search will be conducted on indexed databases (i.e., PubMed, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection). Inclusion criteria are studies about sexual distress with sexual function with LGB+ people. The exclusion criteria are non-English studies and gray literature. The review will not restrict the data range of included studies and will consider both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed sources. The articles provided will be subjected to quantitative descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis to synthesize the literature. The search string will include terms such as, for example, (sexual* distress* OR sexual* concern OR sexual* bother) AND (psychological OR individual OR personal OR interpersonal OR relation* OR marital OR couple) AND (LGB+ people OR sexual minority OR non-heterosexual).

Results

We aim to identify existing theoretical and methodological approaches, flaws, and gaps. We hope to reach a comprehensive look at existing results in the field, opening room for future research while also aggregating clinically meaningful information.

Conclusions

This scoping review will be useful for researching and practicing sexual medicine with LGB+ people.

Disclosure

No.