Dual control model

Definition

The dual control model is a framework that explains sexual motivation and arousal through the interplay of excitatory and inhibitory processes. This model suggests that sexual arousal is not solely based on the presence of sexual stimuli but also involves the regulation of arousal by inhibitory factors, such as anxiety or negative experiences. Understanding this balance between excitation and inhibition can provide insights into sexual behavior and responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dual control model was proposed by John Bancroft and colleagues to better understand the complexities of human sexuality beyond simple stimulus-response relationships.
2. According to the model, individuals differ in their levels of sexual excitation and inhibition, influencing their overall sexual experiences and preferences.
3. The balance of excitatory and inhibitory processes can shift depending on contextual factors, such as mood, partner dynamics, or situational stressors.
4. Research has shown that a higher ratio of sexual excitation to inhibition is often associated with greater sexual satisfaction and fewer issues related to sexual dysfunction.
5. The dual control model has implications for therapeutic approaches in addressing sexual problems, emphasizing the need to consider both excitement and inhibition in treatment strategies.

Review Questions

• How does the dual control model explain the interaction between sexual excitation and inhibition in influencing sexual behavior?
  • The dual control model illustrates that sexual behavior results from a complex interplay between excitation and inhibition. Sexual excitation refers to the physiological and psychological responses that enhance arousal, while inhibition involves factors that suppress these responses. This model emphasizes that both processes are necessary to understand why individuals may respond differently to similar sexual stimuli, highlighting that a person’s overall arousal is shaped by how these two systems interact.
• Discuss how individual differences in levels of sexual excitation and inhibition can affect a person's sexual experiences according to the dual control model.
  • Individual differences in levels of sexual excitation and inhibition can greatly affect one's sexual experiences as posited by the dual control model. For example, a person with high sexual excitation and low inhibition may find it easier to achieve arousal in various contexts, leading to more satisfying sexual encounters. Conversely, someone with lower excitation levels or higher inhibition may face challenges in becoming aroused or may avoid sexual situations altogether. These variations can help explain why individuals have diverse experiences regarding desire, arousal, and satisfaction.
• Evaluate how the dual control model can inform therapeutic practices aimed at addressing sexual dysfunctions.
  • The dual control model can significantly inform therapeutic practices aimed at addressing sexual dysfunctions by emphasizing a holistic understanding of both excitatory and inhibitory factors affecting arousal. Therapists can utilize this model to help clients identify specific barriers related to their unique balance of excitation and inhibition. By focusing on enhancing excitatory stimuli while concurrently addressing inhibitory influences—such as anxiety or negative past experiences—therapeutic interventions can be tailored more effectively. This approach encourages clients to develop healthier attitudes toward their sexuality, ultimately leading to improved sexual satisfaction.

Related terms

Sexual Excitation: The process by which an individual experiences heightened sexual arousal in response to stimuli, which can include physical, emotional, or contextual factors.

Sexual Inhibition: The mechanisms that suppress sexual arousal, which can arise from fear, anxiety, past trauma, or other contextual factors that create barriers to sexual expression.

Arousal Regulation: The psychological and physiological processes through which individuals manage their levels of sexual arousal in response to internal and external cues.