A Systematic Review on Sexual Boredom: Sexual boredom is a bigger problem for men and narcissists

de Oliveira L, Carvalho J, Nobre P. A Systematic Review on Sexual Boredom. J Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX–XXX. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.12.019

Rolf Degen's take: Sexual boredom is a bigger problem for men and narcissists

Abstract

Background: Empirical data on sexual boredom are scarce and unsystematized, contrasting with the literature on general boredom.

Aim: The aim of this review of literature is to verify how sexual boredom is defined in previous research and which relationships were found with sexual functioning, relationship dynamics, or gender.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases for papers published until August 2020. Search terms used were “sexual boredom” or “sexual tedium” or “sexual indifference” or “sexual monotony” or a combination of “boredom” and “sexual activity” or “intercourse”. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines.

Outcomes: Articles were grouped in general boredom and sexuality research and in sexual boredom research.

Results: This review consists of 43 articles, of which 31 are quantitative studies, 8 are qualitative studies, and 4 are mixed-method studies. Studies concerning general boredom and sexuality include research on diverse aspects of sexual behavior, namely solitary sexual behavior, extra-dyadic sex, compulsive sexual behavior, and risky sexual behavior. Sexual boredom research included papers regarding personality, sexual response, and varied aspects of sexual behavior.

Clinical Implications: Findings suggest sexual boredom is related with sexual response, sexual satisfaction, and hypersexuality, which renders clinical relevance. Sexual boredom impacts well-being, and further research should focus on exploring potential mechanisms underpinning this sexual problem.

Strengths and limitations: To the authors' knowledge, this is the only existing systematic review of sexual boredom and allowed identifying key features of sexual boredom and related aspects. However, because most studies are correlational, and several do not use comprehensive measures of sexual boredom, no causal relationships were identified.

Conclusion: This review indicates the construct of sexual boredom includes individual, relationship, and societal aspects. However, no definition of sexual boredom includes these, and current knowledge does not allow formulating a model or a theory of sexual boredom.

Key Words: Sexual BoredomBoredomSexual DesireSexual SatisfactionRelationshipsCouples