How people interpret physical signs of arousal, such as a racing heartbeat, relates to their sexual functioning in distinct ways for men and women. A recent study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found that viewing these physical sensations positively correlates with higher sexual desire, while fearing them is associated with lower sexual satisfaction in women and physical sexual difficulties in men. These results suggest that treating sexual problems might benefit from addressing how individuals perceive their body’s automatic responses.
When a person feels anxious or sexually aroused, the body responds in similar ways. The sympathetic nervous system activates to prepare the body for action. This activation causes the heart to race, breathing to quicken, and blood to flow to core organs.
Because the physical signs of anxiety and sexual arousal overlap, the way an individual interprets a pounding chest can shape their emotional and physical experience. Some people experience a trait known as anxiety sensitivity. This refers to a persistent belief that bodily sensations are dangerous or inherently negative.
Someone with high anxiety sensitivity might assume a racing heart means they are having a medical emergency. They might also worry that their physical signs of anxiety are noticeable and will cause social embarrassment.
Source: PsyPost — Read the full article on the original site ↗