Examining sexual functioning and disgust in virtual reality: low desire and sexual pain predict disgust toward virtual sexual stimuli

Abstract

Abstract Sexual dysfunctions are prevalent and impair the lives and intimate relationships of up to one-third of the population. Virtual reality (VR) offers promising avenues for the study of sexual dysfunctions; however, little attention has been given to the use of VR in sex research. Sexual disgust appears to be positively related with lower sexual functioning, but empirical research remains scarce and mainly relies on cross-sectional retrospective data. This study examines whether four domains of low sexual functioning—i.e., low sexual interest/arousal, lubrication/erection difficulties, difficulties in reaching orgasm, and sexual pain—are associated with disgust experienced towards sexual stimuli in VR. Seventy individuals completed self-reported questionnaires on sexual functioning and sexual disgust propensity. They then participated in two VR behavioral tests, which included sexual and non-sexual stimuli. Disgust and sexual arousal were measured after each test. Participants also completed a questionnaire on sexual presence immediately after immersion. Bivariate correlational analyses and multivariate regression models were performed. Results show that sexual disgust propensity positively correlates with disgust ratings in the sexual test (r = .48), while sexual presence positively relates to sexual arousal (r = .41). Both lower sexual interest/arousal and increased pain during sex predicted greater disgust during the sexual test (β = .37 – .39). These findings support the relationship between sexual disgust and both impaired sexual interest/arousal and sexual pain, and confirm the relevance of using VR sexual stimuli in sex research.