Lesbians and Scrabble: Understanding Lesbian Bed Death from a Feminist Perspective of Science
Date of Award
7-1-2009
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Michael Karson
Second Advisor
Shelly Smith Acuña
Third Advisor
Julia B. Colwell
Keywords
Lesbian bed death, LBD, Psychology
Abstract
The term "Lesbian Bed Death" (LBD) resulted from a landmark study that found, when compared to other types of couples, lesbians had sex less frequently at every stage of the relationship. Subsequent studies attempted to understand or disprove this finding. The current study provided the subjects of science with a voice in reacting to the psychological literature and employed the use of a focus group with four lesbians, whose comments were recorded. The themes that emerged and resulting implications are summarized. Implications for therapists include: avoiding heterocentric and phallocentric assumptions about how lesbians experience sexual satisfaction; helping couples understand how gender socialization and internalized homophobia contributes to sexual inhibition; normalizing sexual desire; and helping couples develop a sense of autonomy while staying emotionally connected.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Ging, Kirsten, "Lesbians and Scrabble: Understanding Lesbian Bed Death from a Feminist Perspective of Science" (2009). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 257.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/257