Sexual aversion disorder (SAD) is characterized by extreme fear, disgust, and avoidance of sexual contact and activities. Despite no longer being classified as a separate disorder in recent medical guidelines, SAD remains common and can have significant negative impacts on individuals’ well-being and relationships. Traditional methods of assessing SAD, like interviews and self-report measures, have limitations such as subjectivity and difficulty in exploring sensitive sexual experiences.

Nevertheless, the author of a new article in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that virtual reality (VR) technology could offer new and improved ways to assess SAD. VR allows individuals to be immersed in computer-generated environments, experiencing multisensory stimuli similar to real-life situations. This immersive experience can provoke emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses similar to those experienced in real life, (i.e., during actual sexual encounters in the case of SAD assessments). Such a method could provide a safe place for individuals to explore and express their feelings about sexual situations, potentially offering insights into SAD that traditional methods may miss.

The author of this article argues that VR has several advantages over traditional assessment methods. It allows for direct observation of individuals’ responses in sexual scenarios, avoiding biases that may arise from self-reporting and recall difficulties. VR simulations can closely resemble real-world interactions, including various sensory inputs like touch, sight, and sound. This realism can help clinicians better understand an individual’s specific triggers and responses to these triggers. As such, VR simulations could potentially be used to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to individuals’ specific triggers, symptoms, and needs.

In the article, the author discusses a pilot study and subsequent research that used VR simulations to assess SAD symptoms. These studies found that individuals with higher SAD symptoms exhibited greater levels of anxiety and disgust during sexual scenarios compared to those with lower SAD symptoms.

However, there are technical and ethical considerations to be addressed when it comes to VR technology. Firstly, the cost of VR technology could be prohibitive for some organizations and individuals. Secondly, there are multiple concerns about data privacy, security, and ownership in relation to VR. Lastly, more research is needed to understand the potential adverse effects of VR, particularly for individuals with severe SAD or a history of sexual abuse.

In conclusion, while still in its early stages, VR technology shows promise for improving the assessment of SAD and potentially other sexual dysfunctions. Further research is needed to explore its effectiveness and address technical and ethical concerns. Additionally, partnerships between researchers, clinicians, and VR companies are essential for developing reliable and valid assessment tools.

References:

• Lafortune, D. (2024). Diagnostic applications and benefits of virtual reality for sexual aversion. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 21(2), 84–87. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad157