History of Sexual Repression
Sigmund Freudwas one of the earliest thought leaders for sexual repression.
These feelings may then be concretized in adulthood, causing poor adjustment to sexual feelings and situations.
By drawing links between suppression and mental illness, the negative consequences of repression have received some attention.
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Causes of Sexual Repression
Sexual repression may be due to several factors.
Societys Treatment of Sex
Sex has long been painted as an immoral subject.
This is sometimes the case within religions that restrict sexual expression.
In human beings, sexual interest may develop from a very young age.
Similarly, repulsion to intimate encounters can also begin during adolescence or around the teenage years.
When a young person reaches puberty, their body goes through many changes that triggercuriosity about sex.
A persistent negative view may lead to sexual repression.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Signs of Sexual Repression
A person may be sexually repressed without even knowing it.
Here are some behaviors that may signal sexual repression.
Discomfort With Sex
One marker of repression is unease around sexual matters.
A person may find that they are embarrassed or unable to maintain their composure during talks around sex.
A repressed person may alsofeel anxious before or during sexfor no identifiable reason.
Repression can take away the joy and pleasure commonly associated with sex.
Tears, shame at submitting to desires, and self-repulsion are all traits associated with sexual repression.
Sexually repressed people will often endure, rather than enjoy intercourse with partners.
This can lead to dissatisfaction andunhappiness between sexual partners.
It can also form an unhealthy relationship with sex.
Conflicting Feelings Toward Sex
Looking at a partner or someone attractive can produce certain stirrings.
Common reactions to these feelings include sexual fantasies or masturbation.
Either response is healthy and expected.
However, when these reactions are experienced by a person with sexual repression, it can cause confusing feelings.
Repression can cause them to feel shame at the bodys acknowledgment of sexual stimulation.
Thoughts of masturbation or engaging in the act can lead to considerable distress.
This may spark conflicting feelings towardintimate sexual sessions.
Because sexual thoughts and feelings are categorized as sin, they may worry about their moral standing.
Sexual Performance Issues
Ideally, sex is a no-pressure exercise between willing partners.
However, when repression-based guilt and shame rear their head, this can cause strain during intimate moments.
Being unable to express a natural attraction to others can lead toquestions about sexuality.
It can also cause disappointment during sexual encounters.
Here are a few strategies for coping with repression.
It calls for an understanding of how one’s environment can negatively shape the beliefs they hold.
Keeping a partner updated about one’s thoughts and feelings can encourage greater comfort around the subject of sex.
Sex therapycan assist individuals and couples as they navigate sexual difficulties.
Through expert help, individuals and partners can learn to enjoy intimate moments.
Summary
Sex in all formssolo or partneredcan be enjoyed as a pleasurable activity.
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