Abstract Background Sexual dysfunctions in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have been previously reported. However, most of these results refer to physical and behavioral measures. Psychological aspects have not been previously researched. Method In the present study, we utilized an online version of the “Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire” (MSQ) in a sample of individuals with SAD ( n = 242, 40.70 ± 13.40 years, 58.7% female). We hypothesized greater difficulties for SAD individuals compared to controls without SAD through the influence of fear and avoidance symptoms. Results Based on multivariate analyses (MANCOVA), SAD individuals showcased significant deficiencies in almost all subscales of the MSQ compared to the control group (partial η 2 = 0.016 − 0.217, all p < .001). Moreover, men with SAD were significantly more preoccupied and motivated for sexual behaviour and relationships than women with SAD (partial η 2 = 0.104 − 0.159, all p < .001). Conclusion These results give first insights for psychological reasons possibly underlying sexual difficulties in SAD patients. SAD individuals spend less time thinking about and are less motivated for sexuality. Assertiveness and the belief of one’s control and autonomy of sexuality are less pronounced in SAD individuals. Those signs can be approached via different techniques and therapeutic interventions if difficulties with sexuality and sexual satisfaction are relevant for those affected by SAD. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
Elling et al. (Tue,) studied this question.