Abstract
Sexual dysfunctions, depression, and anxiety disorders have high rates of comorbidity. The aim of this study was to empirically
evaluate an expanded model of internalizing psychopathology (Krueger, 1999) that includes sexual problems, based on these patterns of comorbidity. Responses to an online survey from a sexually active
community sample (n = 563) were analyzed using structural equation modeling to compare the fit of four alternative models for males and females.
An expanded model of the internalizing spectrum that included sexual problems was a good fit for the pattern of interrelationships
in the female data. However, the weak relationships between the observed variables in the male data meant that none of the
models provided an adequate fit for men. This study offers preliminary evidence for the utility of a model of the internalizing
spectrum that includes sexual problems for women, which could facilitate a better understanding of the role of common underlying
psychopathological processes between disorders and offer a first step towards effective diagnosis and treatment. Future research
should focus on clinical and representative samples, using other measurement methods.
evaluate an expanded model of internalizing psychopathology (Krueger, 1999) that includes sexual problems, based on these patterns of comorbidity. Responses to an online survey from a sexually active
community sample (n = 563) were analyzed using structural equation modeling to compare the fit of four alternative models for males and females.
An expanded model of the internalizing spectrum that included sexual problems was a good fit for the pattern of interrelationships
in the female data. However, the weak relationships between the observed variables in the male data meant that none of the
models provided an adequate fit for men. This study offers preliminary evidence for the utility of a model of the internalizing
spectrum that includes sexual problems for women, which could facilitate a better understanding of the role of common underlying
psychopathological processes between disorders and offer a first step towards effective diagnosis and treatment. Future research
should focus on clinical and representative samples, using other measurement methods.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-012-9948-0
- Authors
- Miriam K. Forbes, Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Carolyn A. Schniering, Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002