Trait‐Affect, Depressed Mood, and Male Sexual Functioning: A Preliminary Study

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe relationship between trait‐affect, depressed mood, and sexual functioning has been studied; however, the nature of that relation is not yet well established.AimThe aim of the present study was to investigate the mediator role that depressed mood plays in the relation between trait‐affect and sexual functioning in men.MethodsA total of 205 men from the general population participated in the study and completed self‐reported measures assessing trait‐affect, depressed mood, and sexual functioning.Main Outcome MeasuresTrait‐affect was measured by the Positive Affect–Negative Affect Scale—Expanded Version, depressed mood was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, and male sexual function was measured by the International Index of Erectile Function.ResultsRegression analysis showed that negative trait‐affect and depressed mood were significant predictors of sexual functioning. Moreover, mediation analyses indicated that depressed mood partially mediate the relationship between negative trait‐affect and sexual functioning in men.ConclusionFindings support the role of negative trait‐affect and depressed mood on male sexual functioning. Peixoto M and Nobre P. Trait‐affect, depressed mood, and male sexual functioning: A preliminary study. J Sex Med 2012;9:2001–2008.