The College of Education, Health and
Human Sciences
Announces the Final Examination of
Brienne M. Allen
for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
December 9, 2014 at 12:00 pm
103 Ball Hall, University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
Biographical Sketch
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, The University of Memphis
Master of Science, Community Agency Counseling, The University of Memphis
Advisory Committee
Dr. Sara K. Bridges, PhD, Associate Professor, Counseling, Educational Psychology, & Research, Committee chair
Dr. Nancy Nishimura, EdD, Adjunct Faculty, Counseling, Educational Psychology, & Research
Dr. Douglas Strohmer, PhD, Department Chair, Counseling, Educational Psychology, & Research
Dr. Jade Xu, PhD, Associate Professor, Counseling, Educational Psychology, & Research
Major Field of Study
Counseling Psychology
Period of Preparation: 2013 – 2014
Comprehensive Examination Passed: August 2013
Predictors of Types and Frequencies of Sexual Fantasies: Body Image Self-Consciousness and Gender
Abstract
Having sexual fantasies is a common experience for men and women throughout their lives, typically beginning during the time of puberty. The existing body of research involving sexual fantasies illustrates that there are positive aspects related to experiencing sexual fantasies as well as negative emotions that may arise as a result, making it important to understand the factors that predict sexual fantasies. Moreover, societal pressures for thinness and muscularity can lead to body image self-consciousness (BISC) and have an impact on one’s sexual fantasies. Fantasies can be used to increase arousal, pleasure, and enjoyment even though one’s experience of his or her body may lead to feelings of self-consciousness or negative body image concerns. The present study explored the relationships among BISC, gender, and the type and frequency of sexual fantasies that individuals experience, while controlling for age and frequency of erotica use. The study analyzed responses from 96 women and 59 men, and BISC and gender did not significantly predict type or frequency of sexual fantasies above and beyond the control variables. Limitations are discussed and the implications for how these results may inform and influence researchers and mental health professionals are provided.