Chiara Simonelli | Università degli Studi "La Sapienza" di Roma (original) (raw)
Papers by Chiara Simonelli
Research Square (Research Square), Dec 12, 2023
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Jun 1, 2020
Journal of Affective Disorders, Feb 1, 2021
Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature, Aug 28, 2018
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Nov 1, 2022
Rivista di sessuologia clinica, Jun 1, 2021
Il desiderio sessuale rappresenta la fase più complessa e soggettiva della risposta sessuale e le... more Il desiderio sessuale rappresenta la fase più complessa e soggettiva della risposta sessuale e le fantasie erotiche sono una delle sue manifestazioni più comuni. Negli anni si è cercato di promuovere un approccio più positivo e informato alla sessualità e il seguente studio ha l'obiettivo generale di esplorare se e come desiderio e fantasie sono state modificate in questo processo. Sono stati indagati il desiderio sessuale, solitario e diadico, e le fantasie erotiche in un gruppo di donne con lo scopo di evidenziare eventuali differenze tra alcuni orientamenti (eterosessuale, bisessuale e omosessuale). La ricerca fa parte di un progetto più ampio, che ha come obiettivo la validazione di un nuovo questionario: il Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasy Inventory (SDEF). Le donne che hanno preso parte alla ricerca sono state 1094, con un'età compresa tra i 18 e i 78 anni e un orientamento eterosessuale, bisessuale e omosessuale. Gli strumenti utilizzati sono stati: un questionario per la raccolta dei dati sociodemografici, l'SDI-2 e lo SDEF. I risultati riportano delle dif-ferenze significative tra gli orientamenti sessuali, con un maggiore livello di deside-rio sessuale solitario (SDI-2: F(2,1090)=28.14; SDEF: F(2,1091)=26.93) e diadico (SDI-2: F(2,1090)=9.29) nelle donne bisessuali, che sembrerebbero riportare anche una fre-quenza più alta in quasi tutte le fantasie presenti nello SDEF.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Apr 1, 2017
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Mar 3, 2022
Journal of Homosexuality, Sep 5, 2017
European Urology Supplements, 2017
European Urology Supplements, 2018
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, 2014
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Oct 9, 2017
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Sep 23, 2013
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Apr 28, 2017
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Feb 13, 2017
F1000Research, Oct 18, 2012
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Dec 15, 2016
Research Square (Research Square), Dec 12, 2023
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Jun 1, 2020
Journal of Affective Disorders, Feb 1, 2021
Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature, Aug 28, 2018
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Nov 1, 2022
Rivista di sessuologia clinica, Jun 1, 2021
Il desiderio sessuale rappresenta la fase più complessa e soggettiva della risposta sessuale e le... more Il desiderio sessuale rappresenta la fase più complessa e soggettiva della risposta sessuale e le fantasie erotiche sono una delle sue manifestazioni più comuni. Negli anni si è cercato di promuovere un approccio più positivo e informato alla sessualità e il seguente studio ha l'obiettivo generale di esplorare se e come desiderio e fantasie sono state modificate in questo processo. Sono stati indagati il desiderio sessuale, solitario e diadico, e le fantasie erotiche in un gruppo di donne con lo scopo di evidenziare eventuali differenze tra alcuni orientamenti (eterosessuale, bisessuale e omosessuale). La ricerca fa parte di un progetto più ampio, che ha come obiettivo la validazione di un nuovo questionario: il Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasy Inventory (SDEF). Le donne che hanno preso parte alla ricerca sono state 1094, con un'età compresa tra i 18 e i 78 anni e un orientamento eterosessuale, bisessuale e omosessuale. Gli strumenti utilizzati sono stati: un questionario per la raccolta dei dati sociodemografici, l'SDI-2 e lo SDEF. I risultati riportano delle dif-ferenze significative tra gli orientamenti sessuali, con un maggiore livello di deside-rio sessuale solitario (SDI-2: F(2,1090)=28.14; SDEF: F(2,1091)=26.93) e diadico (SDI-2: F(2,1090)=9.29) nelle donne bisessuali, che sembrerebbero riportare anche una fre-quenza più alta in quasi tutte le fantasie presenti nello SDEF.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Apr 1, 2017
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Mar 3, 2022
Journal of Homosexuality, Sep 5, 2017
European Urology Supplements, 2017
European Urology Supplements, 2018
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, 2014
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Oct 9, 2017
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Sep 23, 2013
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Apr 28, 2017
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Feb 13, 2017
F1000Research, Oct 18, 2012
F1000 - Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature, Dec 15, 2016
journal of sexual medicine, 2017
Introduction & objectives: Literature showed a close relationship between desire and arousal on ... more Introduction & objectives: Literature showed a close relationship between desire and
arousal on female side, emphasized by DSM-5. On the contrary, male sexual response
has historically been considered more simple and mechanistic. Aim of this study was to
evaluate the role of some biopsychosocial variables affecting male sexual desire such as
Quality of Life (QoL), psychological symptoms, emotions, alexithymia, sexual function,
distress, satisfaction, couple adjustment, sexism, cognitive schema, beliefs, and
scripts.
Population sample: A self-administered survey reached 238 heterosexual male subjects
(age 32.01±10.27).
Method(s): It was composed by 14 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial elements
involved in sexual response: SF36, BDI II, STAI-Y, SCL-90-R, TAS-20, IIEF, PESI,
SSS-M, SDS-M, DAS, SMQ, SDBQ, and QCSASC.
Results: Results of this preliminary study showed “Lack of erotic thoughts” as main
predictor of low level of sexual desire in men (b¼-.28). “Desire of having a baby”,
“Energy/fatigue”, “Depression”, “Premature ejaculation severity”, “Sexual Distress”,
“Subjective sexual response”, and “Sexual conservativism” are strictly connected to level
of sexual desire.
Conclusion & recommendations: Male sexual desire is characterized by a complex
interaction between biological, psychological, and social elements. At the current state
of art, the analysis of these predictors seems to suggest that current models are not
sufficient to explain the complexity of male sexual desire.
Keywords: sexual desire, male sexuality, sexual interest
Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement: None.
Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2017
Objective: Previous studies examined the influence of sexism, gender stereotypes, and sexual bel... more Objective: Previous studies examined the influence of sexism, gender
stereotypes, and sexual beliefs on relationships and sexual behaviours.
Clinical expertise in sexology and couple therapy leads to think that rigid
scripts and dysfunctional beliefs, about gender and sexuality, negatively
affect relational and sexual satisfaction. The aim of the present explorative
study was to analyse the correlation between benevolent and hostile
sexism, sexual dysfunctional beliefs (SDB) and sexual and relational
satisfaction in a group of heterosexual men and women. In line with the
literature, we expected worse profile of satisfaction on people who scored
higher on sexism and dysfunctional beliefs; moreover, we expected
different associations between specific stereotypes and satisfaction
depending on gender.
Methods: The participants were 592 (354 F, 238 M). They completed:
Questionnaire on socio-demographic Information, Ambivalent Sexism
Inventory; Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire; Dyadic Adjustment
Scale; Sexual Satisfaction Scale.
Results: Male group showed a negative correlation between SDB, dyadic
and sexual satisfaction. A negative correlation between hostile sexism and
dyadic satisfaction has been observed. Results highlighted, in female group, a
negative correlation between SDB and sexual and dyadic satisfaction. Only
for females, the affection-primacy subscale resulted as the main predictor of
dyadic satisfaction (b¼.246; p<.001) among the studied variables.
Conclusion: Cultural factors have a significant impact on sexual satisfaction.
The results of the present study suggest that different variables, in both
male’s and female’s satisfaction, should be considered. Today stereotypes
seem to be stronger in males. The dimensions of affect and sexuality are
different for women, and it is important to explore both of them during
counselling and sex therapy.
Policy of full disclosure: None
Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2017
Objective: Literature showed a close relationship between desire and arousal on the female side,... more Objective: Literature showed a close relationship between desire and arousal
on the female side, emphasized by the DSM-5. There is the need for better
understanding the male sexual response which has historically been
considered more simple and mechanistic compared to female’s one. Aim of
this study was to evaluate the role of the main biopsychosocial variables
affecting male sexual desire such as Quality of Life (QoL), psychological
symptoms, sexual function, related distress, cognitive schema and beliefs,
sexual and relational satisfaction.
Methods: A self-administered online survey reached 238 heterosexual male
subjects (age 32.01±10.27) from general population from March 2015 to
April 2016. It was composed by 13 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial
elements involved in sexual response: SF36, BDI II, STAI-Y, SCL-90-R,
TAS-20, DAS, SSS-M, MSDS, IIEF, SMQ, SDBQ and QCSASC.
Results: The results of this preliminary study showed “Lack of erotic
thoughts” as main predictor of low level of sexual desire in men (b¼-.28,
p<.01), “Desire of having a baby”, “Energy/Vitality” and “Sexual
conservatorism” are strictly connected to level of sexual desire. The influence
of other variables will be discussed.
Conclusion: Male sexual desire is characterized by a complex interaction
between biological, psychological and social elements. The analysis of these
factors seems to suggest that current models are not sufficient to explain the
complexity of male sexual desire. Is emphasized the need to conduct more
detailed studies on male sexual desire and to integrate the use of tools able to
work on sexual fantasies, stereotypes and beliefs in clinical practice.
Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2017
Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial aetiology and is ... more Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial
aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has
been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and
quality of life of affected women. Many cognitive and affective variables may
influence the experience of pain and associated psychosexual concerns.
However, the consequences on sexual function and satisfaction have been
studied very little. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive
assessment of the sexual sphere of women who report this condition.
Methods: Data were collected on 377 women (131 with sexual pain in
the last 6 months and 246 without sexual pain), aged between 18 and 59
(M ¼ 29.23; SD ¼ 8.10). Participants completed: a socio-demographic
questionnaire, FSFI, FSDS, SSS-W, SMQ-W, SDBQ-W, QCSASC-W and
McGill Pain Questionnaire. Participants were recruited through snowballs
technique.
Results: Women with sexual pain totalized worse scores in: sexual
functioning (F(1,333)¼ 23.35; p < .001) and sexual satisfaction (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .05). They obtained higher scores in personal distress (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .01) compared to controls. Moreover, they reported a higher
frequency of: failure/disengagement (F(1,324)¼ 9.85; p < .01) and low self
body image (F(1,324)¼ 5.49; p < .05) thoughts, feelings of guilt (F(1,329)¼
4.27; p < .05), incompetence (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .01), difference/loneliness
(F(1,327)¼ 9.03; p < .01) and helpless (F(1,327)¼ 4.05; p < .05) concerning
sexual activity, than women without sexual pain.
Conclusion: Data suggest that GPPD have a negative influence on women’s
sexuality. Therefore, this study suggests the need of psychosexual counselling
during the medical treatment of the disease, in order to achieve a good
sexuality. In this sense, we consider that GPPD evaluation and treatment are
performed through a comprehensive somato-psychological multimodal
approach.
Policy of full disclosure: None
Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2017
Introduction & objectives: Many studies addressing sexual drive and hypersexuality stated that h... more Introduction & objectives: Many studies addressing sexual drive and hypersexuality
stated that homosexuals are used to report higher levels of sexual desire and compulsive
sexual behaviors. Literature showed a lack of comparisons between perceived level of
desire in hetero and gay population. This study aims to analyze some variables which
could predict levels of sexual desire in both heterosexual and homosexual men such as
sexual satisfaction, distress, sexism and dysfunctional sexual beliefs.
Population sample: 312 male subjects (239 heterosexuals and 73 homosexuals) were
recruited on internet. The average age was 31.95 (SD ¼ 9.62), ranged between 18 and
72 years.
Method(s): A self-administered online survey was available from March 2015 to April
2016. It was composed of 13 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial elements
involved in sexual response: IIEF, SSS-M, SDS-M, ASI, and SDBQ.
Results: No significant difference was found between sexual orientation and self-reported
level of sexual desire. Independently from their orientation, subjects with high
level of desire reported less distress (F(2,287)¼3.11, p<.05) and more satisfaction with
their sex life (F(2,287)¼9.54, p<.001). Gay reported lower levels of sexism and
dysfunctional sexual beliefs, especially to stereotypical beliefs about male
(F(1,283)¼15.72, p<.001). Dysfunctional sexual beliefs predicted lower desire level on
heterosexual men, but not on homosexuals.
Conclusion & recommendations: This study highlighted how sexual orientation
had no direct effect on sexual desire level. Differences between heterosexuals and
homosexuals, if any, should be search in frequency of sexual activity, easier accessibility
to sex, meaning of sex for male and gay identities, and the secondary benefit which sex
could lead to (physical contact, pleasure, temporary filling of “emptiness” feelings,
sense of belonging to a minority) more than directly to sexual desire level. Moreover,
homosexual people reported to be more free from some stereotypes which, in heterosexuals,
are strictly connected with sexual dysfunctions.
Keywords: sexual desire, homosexuality, stereotypes
Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement: None.
Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2017
Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial aetiology and is ... more Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial
aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has
been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and
quality of life of affected women. Many cognitive and affective variables may
influence the experience of pain and associated psychosexual concerns.
However, the consequences on sexual function and satisfaction have been
studied very little. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive
assessment of the sexual sphere of women who report this condition.
Methods: Data were collected on 377 women (131 with sexual pain in
the last 6 months and 246 without sexual pain), aged between 18 and 59
(M ¼ 29.23; SD ¼ 8.10). Participants completed: a socio-demographic
questionnaire, FSFI, FSDS, SSS-W, SMQ-W, SDBQ-W, QCSASC-W and
McGill Pain Questionnaire. Participants were recruited through snowballs
technique.
Results: Women with sexual pain totalized worse scores in: sexual
functioning (F(1,333)¼ 23.35; p < .001) and sexual satisfaction (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .05). They obtained higher scores in personal distress (F(1,333)¼
6.38; p < .01) compared to controls. Moreover, they reported a higher
frequency of: failure/disengagement (F(1,324)¼ 9.85; p < .01) and low self
body image (F(1,324)¼ 5.49; p < .05) thoughts, feelings of guilt (F(1,329)¼
4.27; p < .05), incompetence (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .01), difference/loneliness
(F(1,327)¼ 9.03; p < .01) and helpless (F(1,327)¼ 4.05; p < .05) concerning
sexual activity, than women without sexual pain.
Conclusion: Data suggest that GPPD have a negative influence on women’s
sexuality. Therefore, this study suggests the need of psychosexual counselling
during the medical treatment of the disease, in order to achieve a good
sexuality. In this sense, we consider that GPPD evaluation and treatment are
performed through a comprehensive somato-psychological multimodal
approach.
Policy of full disclosure: None