| This dissertation explored the question: What is the psychological impact of taking part in a sexual action that one accepts versus a sexual action that one desires? Ten participants were interviewed regarding their opinions, experiences, perceptions, and thoughts based on their own lived experiences. Using a grounded theory methodology involving the transcription and coding of interviews with these participants, major and minor codes were used to develop a theory to encapsulate their experiences into a coherent and visible format.;Results of this study suggest that there are three possible conditions under which sexual experiences take place. Within these, three distinct Phenomena in relation to the research question emerged, as well as four strategies that interacted with these phenomena, and six different types of consequences that were experienced due to them. A new construct appeared in the data, named Not-Desire, which was neither accepting nor desiring. Desire and Acceptance themselves each became separated into two different forms---one passive and one active. The results suggest that the impact of participating in the experiences discussed in this study, was that of creating Ego-syntonic and Ego-dystonic consequences in participants' view of sexuality, relationships, and self. Respectively, these consequences were found to be beneficial and helpful to the person, or detrimental and unhelpful. Additionally, depending on the experience, the mental/emotional strategies concurrent to that experience, and the consequences of it all, a person was found to to feel either uplifted and empowered or defeated and constricted.;The implications of these findings are significant for the fields of couple's counseling, sex therapy, and adolescent psychology. These fields present optimal grounds for the exploration of this topic due to its naturally occurring emergence within those disciplines. It is possible that proper implementation and awareness of the theory presented herein could serve as both a preventative tool against psychological harm and a treatment modality towards aiding those currently suffering from said harm. There is potential for the grounded theory emergent herein to educate councilors, therapists, clients, and patients towards an experience of human sexuality that is conscious, harmless, and ultimately positive. |
