Erectile dysfunction has been associated with considerable mental health problems and is particularly prevalent among gay men. Psychological treatment protocols for sexual dysfunctions aim at challenging beliefs and expectations about the importance of a “perfect sexual performance”. However, to date, little scientific evidence exists for the relationship between erectile dysfunction and sexual expectations.
The main purpose of the study is to gain a better understanding of sexual arousal in gay men. In particular, the study aims to understand how certain sexual expectations or beliefs can contribute to either healthy sexual function or difficulties with sexual arousal in gay men. This physiological investigation uses thermal imaging to detect genital temperature.
This study involves:
- A 15 minute phone screen
- A 1.5 hour visit to the HIV Prevention Lab at Ryerson University
- Having genital temperature measured using thermal imagine technology
- Viewing sexually explicit material
- $50 compensation
We are currently recruiting:
- Gay men with erectile difficulties
For more information, and to see if you are eligible to participate in this study, please call us at 416-979-5000 ext. 2180 (after pressing “1”) or email us at gqarousalstudy@gmail.com.
Marie Faaborg-Andersen, M.A., is the Principal Investigator on this study.
This research study has been reviewed and approved by the Ryerson University Research Ethics Board.