Attentional Factors in Sexuality: New Measurements for a Modern Field

Abstract

Throughout the history of scientific inquiry in human sexuality, there has been increased interest in examining the role of attention in sexual function and dysfunction. Recent advances in cognitive science have provided the impetus to introduce novel methodologies to the study of sexuality. These new measurements have provided a more precise understanding of how specific facets of attention contribute to factors such as sexual desire, sexual dysfunction, and sexual information processing. First, we review the history of cognitive methodology as it has been applied to the field of human sexuality, with a specific focus on attention. Second, we introduce data from two new experiments that utilize one of the latest breakthroughs within the field, eye-tracking. Results from these studies support related research in the areas of sexual information processing and sexual orientation, and provide a starting point from which to pursue ideas in both basic and applied science using this methodology.