Sexual Response Disconnect is Common, Experts Say; New Book Offers Insights
New york, NY – A growing body of research confirms a surprising disconnect between what physically arouses individuals and what they consciously perceive as sexually appealing, a phenomenon explored in detail in Emily Nagoski’s Come As You Are. The book, citing studies by Meredith Chivers and Ellen Laan, reveals that approximately 50% of a man’s genital response overlaps with his brain’s assessment of sexual attraction. This means involuntary arousal to unexpected stimuli is remarkably common.
This finding challenges conventional understandings of desire and can be particularly relevant for individuals navigating questions about their sexuality or experiencing unexpected physical reactions. Nagoski explains this disconnect means it’s “extremely common for your dick to respond to something that you think it has no business responding to,” a natural occurence that often lacks a clear clarification. The research underscores the complex interplay between biology and psychology in sexual response,offering a normalizing perspective on frequently enough-confusing experiences.
The book’s insights come as discussions around sexual health and understanding individual responses gain prominence. Come As You Are aims to dismantle shame and provide a scientifically-grounded framework for understanding the diverse ways people experience sexual attraction and arousal.
