Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 35:86–105, 2009
Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN: 0092-623X print / 1521-0715 online
DOI: 10.1080/00926230802712293
Prevalence and Determinants of Male Sexual
Dysfunctions During First Intercourse
PEKKA SANTTILA, N. KENNETH SANDNABBA, AND PATRICK JERN
Center of Excellence in Behaviour Genetics, Department of Psychology,
˚
Abo Akademi
University, Turku, Finland
We explored the balance of genetic and environmental factors on
sexual dysfunctions during first intercourse experience in young
men. Gender role conflict theory predicts that young males should
show high levels of such dysfunctions coupled with mixed affec-
tive reactions. Three thousand one hundred eighty six male twins
and their siblings (M = 26.17 years, SD = 4.77) completed items
on erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), contex-
tual factors, and affective reactions during first intercourse, as well
as parental attitudes towards nudity and sexuality. Twin model-
ing revealed a significant genetic effects for PE, but not for ED.
Experiences of sexual dysfunction and both negative and positive
affects during first intercourse were common among the partic-
ipants. More positive parental attitudes were associated with less
dysfunction and more positive affect during first intercourse. Hav-
ing the first sexual intercourse with an unknown partner and while
strongly intoxicated were, together with group pressure and reluc-
tance to engage in intercourse, related to more negative and less
positive affects. Erectile dysfunction during the first intercourse was
related to more negative and less positive affects.
Gender role conflict has been defined as a psychological state in which
socialized gender roles have negative consequences for a person (O’Neil,
1990). It occurs when rigid, sexist, or restrictive gender roles result in per-
sonal restriction and devaluation. A young male’s first experience of inter-
course is loaded with expectations and anxieties. Even though it presents an
This research was financed by grant no. 210298 from the Academy of Finland and a Center
of Excellence Grant from the Stiftelsen f¨ or
˚
Abo Akademi Foundation grant no. 21/22/05.
Address correspondence to Pekka Santtila, Center of Excellence in Behaviour Genetics,
Psychology,
˚
Abo Akademi University, 20500 Turku, Finland. E-mail: pekka.santtila@abo.fi
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