Researchers hope to learn more about the nature of sexual fantasy and how shame, fear, internalized moral judgements and past trauma interfere with sexual pleasure 

Galen Fous MTP, in association with Dr. Rachel Needle of the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, believes his sexual fantasy research study – the Discover Your Personal Erotic Myth (PEM) Survey 2.0, can help psychology professionals, as well as curious individuals, better understand the range and depths of their sexual fantasies and how to express them in healthy, consensual ways.

Dr. Rachel Needle, Co-Director of the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes is joining Fous to do a scientific analysis of the data and publish research findings that will be gathered from the survey.  “We still have so much to learn about the nature of sexuality, sexual fantasies and how our sexuality is shaped” Needle noted. “We hope this study contributes to that greater exploration and research.”

The goals of the IRB approved PEM 2.0 survey (IRB # 2022-005) are to: gain further understanding of the nature, prevalence and scope of people’s sexual fantasies; clarify the primary factors that prohibit or interfere with its honest expression; and develop therapeutic tools that can help people with life-long, recurring sexual fantasies learn to express themselves in consensual ways that are physically, emotionally and psychologically healthy. This includes being in integrity with their values, agreements, responsibilities and relationships.

Fous named the survey “Discover Your Personal Erotic Myth” to reflect the distinctive archetypal personas, symbolic attire, props, dialogue, and epic story-lines that often populate people’s sexual fantasies, often called “Kinks”.

In response to working with hundreds of men, women and couples for over 20 years, Fous developed the 68-question survey to help shed light on and address the struggles expressed by clients around understanding their sexual desires, which often ventured into the realm of Kink sexuality. These would range from fantasies of mild sensuous dominance and submission to extreme hardcore sado/masochism.

The PEM 2.0 research study is part of a larger therapeutic framework Fous is developing called Sexual Integration Therapy (SIT). In order to integrate your authentic sexuality into your everyday life in a healthy way, Fous believes it is also necessary to examine and address all the internalized fears, shames, traumas and harsh moral judgments about your sexuality embedded since childhood.

The Sexual Integration Therapy model supports the client to both embrace their authentic sexuality and resolve the internal conflicts that hold their desires back or shut them down altogether. It supports the client to shift compulsive, secretive unhealthy sexual behaviors, often labeled sex/porn addiction, into honest, confident sexual expression. Sexual Integration Therapy offers a path to becoming empowered and healed sexually.

The PEM 2.0 is an updated version of an earlier 48 question pilot study Fous designed that had over 7000 participants. The preliminary pilot study concluded in 2021.

Here are some of the provocative insights from over 7000 people who participated in the pilot survey:

 

• 43% became aware of their fantasies before age 10, 28% were masturbating to them by 10 years.
• 41% masturbate to porn daily to several times per week.
• 31% claimed their porn/masturbation activity led to more desire for their partners, 53% said it made no difference in their desire for their partner. 16% thought it harmed their relationship.
• 61% struggle with honesty and openness about their sexual desires, to their partners, families and community.
• 74% claimed Dominance and submission was a prevalent aspect of their fantasies
• 63% believed their desires were innate and independent from their developmental experience or environment 
• Over 1500 people voluntarily revealed very explicit and provocative snippets of dialogue and other details common to their sexual fantasies.

About 52% of the respondents identified as female, 44% male, and 4% identified as other, such as trans, gender-queer and more. Respondents were primarily from populations that were already more sex or kink-positive in their views, not by random selection.

The PEM 2.0 survey will collect quantitative and qualitative data through an online survey platform that preserves the anonymity and privacy of the participants. With the updated version of this survey, the researchers plan to begin to map and understand the psychological dynamics of sexual fantasies and how embedded shame, fear and trauma may interfere with its healthy consensual expression.

The data will be used to publish in peer-reviewed journals for sexology and psychology, which will pave the way for the Personal Erotic Myth and Sexual Integration Therapy to be replicable and viable as a clinical therapeutic model.

The online PEM 2.0 survey is completely anonymous for participants. To ensure privacy, no personal information is gathered. What is unique is that participants can opt-in afterward through a separate email to receive the compiled responses of all participants. 

If you are interested in taking the survey: http://galenfous.com/pem

Want to see the fascinating compiled results: Take the survey and you can opt-in to receive an email with a link to the results. There is no connection between your email address and the data entered in the survey.

If you have questions or would like to arrange an interview please contact Galen@galenfous.com or call 503.442.5478

 

About the Research Team

Dr. Rachel Needle, Psy.D.

Rachel Needle is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist in private practice and the founder and executive director of the Whole Health Psychological Center, a comprehensive psychological practice with therapists with a broad range of specialty areas. She is Co-Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes which provides continuing education to Mental Health and Medical professionals and Sex Therapists around the world. MSTI provides certifications in Sex Therapy, Couples & Sex Therapy, LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapy, Alternative Relationships, Medical Sexology, and Transgender Affirmative Mental Health Care, Sexual Trauma, Problematic Sexual Behavior Certification, Sex Counselor Certification, Sexual Trauma Certification, Reproductive Health Care Professoinal Certification, Sexual Behavior Analyst Certification, Sex Educator Certification, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology. Dr. Needle is often interviewed by and quoted in national media outlets.  She has presented her research and clinical work at national and international conferences.

 

Galen Fous MTP 

Sex-Positive Therapist, Author, Educator & Sex Researcher

Galen Fous is a sex-positive psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples who desire to get honest, shame-free and confident in expressing their authentic sexuality. He helps clients shift from compulsive, dishonest, risky sexual behaviors to negotiated, consensual authentic sexual practices.  This framework includes resolving the embedded fear, shame and judgments entangling one’s desire.

He regularly speaks at universities, grad schools and conferences about sexuality and Kink. He offers AASECT and APA approved CE classes for therapists on various accredited online platforms.  His research focuses on understanding the unconscious psychological dynamics of sexual fantasy including Kink, Fetish and D/s-BDSM expressions.

Galen’s latest book, “Decoding Your Kink – Guide to Explore, Share and Enjoy Your Wildest Sexual Desires” has been praised by sexual psychologists and educators as “Visionary …Masterful …Groundbreaking …Cutting Edge…Worth its Weight in Diamonds … Highly Recommended…A Must Read!”  He is also the author of “The Sharp Edge of Love – Extreme Sex, Mythic Passion, Primal Intensity.  Learn more at http://galenfous.com