Changes in assertiveness and changes in orgasmic response occurring with sexual therapy for preorgasmic women.

Assertive behavioral effects of therapy for anorgasmia are examined. Four groups of preorgasmic women were measured on their assertive behavior before, after and four months following therapy focused on obtaining orgasm through self-stimulation. The results of measures of self-reported comfort with assertion as well as probability of acting assertively as measured by the Gambrill-Richey Assertion Inventory indicate that changes did occur in all groups. A significant decrease in felt discomfort with assertive behavior and an increase in the probability of responding assertively was found in all groups. Implications for considering the impact of sexual therapy on various aspects of interpersonal relationships rather than exclusively on symptom removal are suggested.