Understanding the Dual Control Model: Implications for Women with Low Desire

Sexual desire is a complex and multifaceted experience that varies significantly among individuals and across different life circumstances. One influential framework in sex therapy is the Dual Control Model (DCM) of sexual response, developed by Erick Janssen and John Bancroft. This model highlights the interplay between two systems: the sexual excitation system (SES), which acts like the gas pedal, and the sexual inhibition system (SIS), which functions as the brakes. This blog post explores the DCM and its relevance for women with low desire from a sex therapy perspective.

The Basics of the Dual Control Model

The Dual Control Model posits that sexual response is governed by a balance between two competing processes:

1. Sexual Excitation System (SES – The Gas Pedal): This system is responsible for arousal and sexual responsiveness. It is activated by sexually relevant stimuli, such as physical touch, erotic imagery, or fantasies. When the gas pedal is pressed, arousal builds and desire can flourish.

2. Sexual Inhibition System (SIS – The Brakes): This system suppresses sexual arousal and is influenced by factors like stress, fear, relationship issues, or cultural taboos. The brakes ensure safety and appropriateness in sexual contexts but can become overly sensitive, leading to difficulties with arousal and desire.

Every individual has a unique balance between the gas and the brakes, shaped by biology, personal experiences, and cultural influences. Too much pressure on the brakes or insufficient activation of the gas can disrupt sexual functioning, including the experience of desire.

Low Desire in Women and the Role of the Brakes

Low sexual desire is a common concern among women, particularly during transitional life stages such as postpartum, menopause, or periods of significant stress. From the perspective of the DCM, women with low desire often experience an overly sensitive brake system, an underused gas pedal, or a combination of both. Common factors influencing these systems

include:

 Gas Pedal (Underactivity):

• Lack of stimulating sexual cues

• Monotony in sexual routines

• Medical conditions or hormonal changes that diminish arousal

 Brakes (Overactivity):

• Anxiety or stress

• Negative body image

• Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage sexual expression

• Relationship conflicts or unresolved emotional issues

By identifying the specific dynamics at play, sex therapists can tailor interventions to address the root causes of low desire.

Applying the Dual Control Model in Therapy

Sex therapy rooted in the DCM focuses on restoring balance between the gas pedal and the brakes. Here are some therapeutic approaches that leverage the model:

1. Pressing the Gas Pedal (Enhancing Sexual Excitation)

Therapists may help clients explore new ways to press the gas pedal by:

• Encouraging open communication about sexual needs and preferences with their partner.

• Introducing novel stimuli, such as erotica or sensual activities, to reinvigorate arousal.

• Reconnecting with one’s body through mindfulness practices or self-exploration.

  
  

2. Easing Off the Brakes (Reducing Sexual Inhibition)

Addressing an overly sensitive brake system involves:

• Identifying and challenging cognitive distortions or negative beliefs about sexuality.

• Developing stress-management techniques to reduce the impact of external stressors.

• Working through relational issues that contribute to anxiety or emotional disconnection.

Why the Dual Control Model Matters:

The Dual Control Model provides a nuanced framework for understanding sexual desire beyond the oversimplified notions of "low libido". By acknowledging the dynamic interplay of the gas pedal and the brakes, therapists can address the specific factors contributing to a client’s sexual concerns. For women with low desire, the DCM offers a compassionate and individualized approach that empowers them to regain a sense of sexual agency and satisfaction.

Low sexual desire is not a fixed condition but a dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, and relational factors. The Dual Control Model helps normalize this complexity, offering a roadmap for effective interventions. By focusing on both activating the gas pedal and easing off the brakes, sex therapists can guide women toward a more fulfilling and balanced sexual experience.

Understanding the Dual Control Model: Implications for Women with Low Desire

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