Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

What is the nature of eroticism? What is the role of eroticism in sexual interaction? The answers to these questions are explored as are their implications for the understanding and treatment of sexual desire problems. To the extent that sexuality has typically been defined in the sex therapy literature in terms of a pattern of physiological and observable, behavioral events, the phenomenology of erotic experience has been overlooked. Eroticism involves the intent to contact and arouse another. The erotic experience is to be found with a partner who values enhancing sexual pleasure for each other for its own sake rather than as a means to a goal, for example, tension release, orgasm, intercourse. The erotic encounter involves the shared exploration of sexual wishes, dreams, and fantasies. It is argued that eroticism is a central component in the maintenance of sexual desire. The absence of eroticism is linked to the prevalence of chronic sexual dissatisfaction and inhibited sexual desire among those who are otherwise fully functional. The taboos surrounding sexual arousal and the seeking of sexual pleasure are examined. The value of eroticism for the individual and the couple is discussed in terms of deepening of self-knowledge, self-affirmation, mutual trust, and intimacy. Implications for clinicians are addressed. A shift in paradigms is recommended from the prevailing one, focusing on sexual function versus dysfunction, to another that emphasizes the potential for sharing erotic experience.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Allgeier, E. R. (1989, November). Pleasure and danger in sexual relationships.. Paper presented at the Annual meeting of the Society for Scientific Study of Sex, Ibronto, Canada.

Anand, M. (1989). The art of sexual ecstasy: The path of sacred sexuality for Western lovers. New York: Tarcher/Perigee.

Ash, M. (1982). The misnamed female sex organ. In M. Kirkpatrick (Ed.), Women's sexual development. New York: Plenum.

Barbach, L. , & Levine, L. (1980). Shared intimacies: Women's sexual experiences. New York: Bantam Books.

Califia, P. (1983). A secret side of lesbian sexuality. In T. Weinberg & G. W. Levi Kamel (Eds.), S and M: Studies in sadomasochism (pp. 129-136). Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books.

Dychtwald, K. (1979). Sexuality and the whole person. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 19(2), 47-61.

Fisher, W. (1990). All together now: An integrated approach to preventing adolescent pregnancy and STD/HIV infection. SIECUS Report, 18(4), 1-11.

Gallagher, T. (1989). Biographies. In L. Thornton , J. Sturtevant , & A. C. Sumrall (Eds.), Touching fire: Erotic writings by women (pp. 210-222). New York: Carroll & Graf.

Garrison, O. (1964). Tantra: The yoga of sex. New York: Harmony Books.

10.

Harmatz, M. G. , & Novak, M. A. (1983). Human sexuality. New York: Harper & Row.

11.

Kaplan, H. S. (1979). Disorders of sexual desire and other new concepts and techniques in sex therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

12.

Keinplatz, P. J. (1992, September). The erotic experience and the intent to arouse. Paper presented at the Annual meeting of the Canadian Sex Research Forum, Picton, Canada.

13.

Leiblum, S. , & Rosen, R. (Eds.). (1988). Sexual desire disorders. New York: Guilford.

14.

Leiblum, S. , & Rosen, R. (1989). Introduction: Sex therapy in the age of AIDS. In S. Leiblum & R. Rosen (Eds.), Principles and practice of sex therapy (2nd ed., pp. 1-18). New York: Guilford.

15.

LoPiccolo, J. , & Friedman, J. (1988). Broad-spectrum treatment of low sexual desire: Integration of cognitive, behavioral, and systemic therapy. In S. Leiblum & R. Rosen (Eds.), Sexual desire disorders (pp. 107-144). New York: Guilford.

16.

Mahrer, A. R. (1978). Experiencing:A humanistic theory ofpsychology and psychiatry. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

17.

Mahrer, A. (1983). Experiential psychotherapy: Basic practices. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

18.

Masters, W. H. , & Johnson, V. E. (1966). Human sexual response. Boston: Little, Brown.

19.

May, R. (1969). Love and will. New York: Dell.

20.

Muir, C. , & Muir, M. (1989). Tantra: The art of conscious loving. San Francisco: Mercury House.

21.

Ogden, G. (1988). Women and sexual ecstasy: How can therapists help? Women and Therapy, 7,43-57.

22.

Ramsdale, D. , & Ramsdale, E. (1991). Sexual energy ecstasy: A practical guide to lovemaking secrets of the East and West. New York: Bantam Books.

23.

Rosen, R. , & Leiblum, S. (1989). Assessment and treatment of desire disorders. In S. Leiblum & R. Rosen (Eds.), Principles and practice of sex therapy (2nd ed., pp. 19-47). New York: Guilford.

24.

Schnarch, D. (1991). Constructing the sexual crucible: An integration of sexual and marital therapy. New York: Norton.

25.

Steinberg, D. (1988). Erotic by nature. San Juan, CA: Shakti Press/Red Alder Books.

26.

Steinberg, D. (1990, Fall). Flaunting freedom! [Review of Frighten the horses, M. Pritchard, Ed.]. Spectator.

27.

Steinberg, D. (1992). The erotic impulse: Honoring the sensual self. Los Angeles: Putnam.

28.

Stinson, K. (1986). The bare naked book. Tbronto: Annick.

29.

Sturtevant, J. (1989). Biographies. In L. Thornton , J. Sturtevant , & A. C. Sumrall (Eds.), Touching fire: Erotic writings by women (pp. 210-222). New York: Carroll & Graf.

30.

Tharinger, D. J. , Krivacska, J. J. , Laye-McDonough, M. , Jamison, L. , Vincent, G. G. , & Hedlund, A. D. (1988). Prevention of child sexual abuse: An analysis of issues, educational programs, and research findings. School Psychology Review, 17, 614-634.

31.

Tiefer, L. (1991). Historical, scientific, clinical and feminist criticism of "The Human Sexual Response Cycle" model. Annual Review of Sex Research, 2, 1-24.

32.

Tisdale, S. (1992). Talk dirty to me. In D. Steinberg (Ed.), The erotic impulse: Honoring the sensual self (pp. 199-210). Los Angeles: Putnam.

33.

Webster, P. (1992). The forbidden: Eroticism and taboo. In C. S. Vance (Ed.), Pleasure and danger: Exploring female sexuality (pp. 385-398). London: Pandora.

34.

Weeks, J. (1985). Sexuality and its discontents. New York: Routledge.

35.

Wurtele, S. K. , Melzer, A. M. , & Kast, L. C. (1992). Preschoolers'knowledge of and ability to learn genital terminology. Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, 18(2), 115-122.

36.

Zilbergeld, B. , & Ellison, C. R. (1980). Desire discrepancies and arousal problems in sex therapy. In S. R. Leiblum & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Principles and practice of sex therapy (pp. 65-101). New York: Guilford.

The Erotic Encounter

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References