Table 2.

Recommendations for assessment of sexual desire discrepancies (SDD)

Consider the dyad rather than the low desire partner

Focus on mismatch (discrepancy) rather than absolute levels of desire

Consider actual versus perceived SDD

Consider levels of distress associated with SDD (distinguish individual versus relational distress)

Learn about the ebb and flow of sexual desire and SDD in the couple's past (identify critical events)

Explore the mechanisms that promote or hinder sexual adaptation to SDD

Explore the function of SDD and examine whether SDD reflects an underlying relationship problem