Il costrutto di desiderio sessuale nella sessuologia scientifica

The construct of desire is broad and was addressed from the beginning of sexological research. It constitutes the first phase of sexual response cycle in the linear model and a component of sexuality in the circular one. It has psychological, biological, and socio-cultural components. From a biological point of view, it is mainly influenced by sex hormones and endorphins, as well as by the limbic system, as well as by the physical health of both oneself and one’s partner. From the psychological point of view, it is affected by intrapsychic and relational situations, while from the cultural point of view, it is affected by regulatory stances and related to gender roles. This is why describing it, studying it, and measuring it is extremely difficult. An appropriate measure tool is the Sexual Desire Inventory.