According to Masters and Johnson, what is the most common cause of sexual dysfunction?

Masters and Johnson, pioneers in the study of human sexuality, identified performance anxiety as a prevalent factor contributing to sexual dysfunction. Performance anxiety refers to the fear or worry about one's ability to perform sexually, which can lead to a cycle of stress and decreased sexual arousal. This anxiety can create a self-fulfilling prophecy; the more anxious an individual feels about their performance, the more likely they are to experience difficulties in sexual functioning.

This understanding is critical as it emphasizes the psychological dimensions of sexual health, highlighting how mental and emotional states can directly affect physical sexual response. The focus on performance anxiety has influenced therapeutic approaches, leading practitioners to address both emotional concerns and physical functioning in treatments for clients facing sexual dysfunction.

While other factors, such as lack of desire, physical health issues, and unhealthy relationship dynamics, can also contribute to sexual dysfunction, performance anxiety is frequently viewed as the most immediate barrier to sexual satisfaction according to Masters and Johnson's research.