PREDICTORS OF POST-COITAL DYSPHORIA IN INDIAN YOUTH

Abstract

Background :Post-Coital Dysphoria is a condition characterized by an array of inexplicable negative feelings such as - guilt, disgust, frustration and sadness that individuals might experience after engaging in satisfying sexual intercourse. Aim: The aim of the present study was to get an in-depth understanding of post-coital dysphoria and it's most common predictors amongst the Indian Youth. Methods: For the purpose of the current study, telephonic interview was carried out with a total of 20 individuals ( female=16, male = 4) between the age 18-26 years. Main Outcome Measures: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was utilized to analyze the predictors of post-coital dysphoria amongst the participants of the study. Results : Of all participants in the current study (n=21), a total of 11 participants reported experiencing more than one negative emotion after sex for no apparent reason. The most common themes that emerged across the narrative of all participants were : Ambivalence, sexual abuse (childhood sexual abuse/adult sexual abuse) , self esteem, uncertainty surrounding relationship, unmet sexual expectations and stigma associated with engaging in pre-marital sexual intercourse. Strengths & limitations : This is the rst study ever to be conducted on an Indian population . It's qualitative nature allows a more in-depth understanding about it's manifestation and the personal experiences of individuals who report experiencing it's related symptoms. The nature of the sample and the unequal representation of men and women may limit the generalizability of the study.