The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the presence and importance of the cognitive and emotional factors on the sexual function/dysfunction, specifically the way in which cognitive schemas and the different dimensions of affect interact and influence womenʼs sexual functioning, along with general psychopathology. The final goal is to postulate both dimensions as vulnerability factors of sexual dysfunction.

A total of 150 women will participate in the study (a control sample of 100 women and a clinical sample of another 50 women) and will answer to a protocol composed by different instruments.

Results showed strong correlations between sexual functioning and positive affect, cognitive schemas (deprivation, defectiveness/shame, vulnerability to danger, subjugation) and different psychopathology dimensions (somatization, anxiety, phobic anxiety and obsessive-compulsive). Women less sexually functional presented significant higher levels of positive affect during sexual activity and higher levels of insufficient self-control, emotional inhibition, social isolation, abandonment, emotional deprivation and incompetence schemas, when compared with a sexually functional group. They also presented more psychopathology.

Preliminary results supported that the cognitive and emotional factors, such as the schemas and affect, and the general psychopathology are related with the sexual functioning in general women. Women with a poorer sexual functioning present a significant lack of positive affect, a stronger activation of different cognitive schemas and higher levels of psychopathology.