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Introduction
Psychosexual disorders are interruptions in the normal sexual functioning of an individual due to emotional or mental disorders or a combination of both. These disorders are categorized into three groups which include sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias and sexual identity disorders (MDGuidelines, 2007, para. 1-4).
Aspects of sexual malfunction include interruption in a person’s desire, pleasure and decisions which may lead to sexual activities. Causes include drug abuse or a medical condition which can be treated through the use of psychotherapy or medical treatments. Paraphilias is defined as strong sexual desires entailing objects or odd situations. Examples of these include pedophilia, cross-dressing or masturbation. Treatment of this kind of psychosexual disorder can be done through the use android blockers or the use of inhibitors such a Selective Serotonin Reuptake. On the other hand, sexual identity disorder entails individuals who desire to be included in the opposite sex. This can be depicted by individuals of the opposite sex associating him or herself with items of the opposite sex. The disorder can be treated by use of sex hormones or sex-change surgeries (Psychosexual, 2010).
Aim
The aim of the paper is to discuss clinical psychology in relation to The Marilyn Monroe Case and the need for adaptation of such treatment procedures in the management of psychosexual disorders.
Discussion
Marilyn Monroe (1926-62), born Norma Jean Baker, was an American movie actress. She had a very troubled childhood living in a series of foster homes, this was worsened when her mother was diagnosed as a paranoid Schizophrenic (Bookrags, 2006). She was also sexually assaulted at an early age during her stay at the foster homes and eventually opted for early marriage at the age of 14 to James Dougherty. She was later to be discovered by photographers, who exposed her through the magazines finally leading to her being a film star in 1948. She underwent many marriage break-ups during her film and had to be put on barbiturates and sleeping pills. Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her bedroom and her death was ruled to have been due to acute barbiturate poisoning and listed a probable suicide by many witnesses and investigators (The Internet Movie Database, 2010, para.1).
During her life, Marilyn Monroe had to be treated for cases of psychosexual disorder as she had never had an orgasm during sexual activity. This is categorized under sexual dysfunctions and treatment for Marilyn Monroe actually worked as one of her letters to her doctor, Dr. Ralph Greenson who was a renowned psychoanalyst indicates, “Bless you doctor… By now I’ve had lots of orgasms. Not only has it happened once or twice but thrice with a partner who takes time. It is so good… Doctor, I worship you” Marilyn Monroe, 1962 (Playboy, 2005, p. 80).
Clinical psychology is an integration of science, theory and clinical practice in an attempt to promote the well-being of an individual. It aims at reducing distress due to psychological difficulties. These may include anxiety, depression or relationship problems. Before beginning a session, a clinical psychoanalyst collects information about the patient through methods such as interviews and psychometric tests.
In the case of Marilyn Monroe, several biological, psychological and social factors led to her psychosexual disorders which were used in her treatment.
Psychological factors
Monroe was not lucky to see her father who had left before she was born. As a result of this, she was raised by her mother Gladys Monroe who apparently got into several relationships. Gladys suffered a series of mental illness. As a result, she had to be confined in mental institutions for a long time. In addition, Norma was taken to an orphanage while she was aged 9 years. She stayed in the orphanage for 2 years. Upon release she was taken to a foster home where she was sexually assaulted, at the age of 16, she married James Dougherty. They later filed for a divorce. After the divorce, she entered into a relationship with Joe DiMaggio and got married in 1954. This marriage was ended 27 years later where she filed a divorce citing mental cruelty as the major ground for the divorce. She then married Arthur Miller, a playwright, in 1956 whom she also divorced in 1961 in Mexico.
It is these sets of psychological factors that could have led to her experiencing psychosexual dysfunctions.
Social Factors
Just after her marriage to James Dougherty in 1942, Norma Jean was soon cast into the limelight by a photographer and later through the films that she starred in and the trips she attended. This laid her private life to the public who expected her to behave in a particular manner and this might have led to her marriage break-ups and the many affairs she had with other men. Most of her affairs involved public figures and other personalities mainly celebrities. On one occasion, rumors went that this lady had a secret affair with Robert Kennedy and John Kennedy who was the US president at that time.
Biological Factors
Apart from the emotional and mental problems that Marilyn had experienced since she was young, she had physical problems as well. She went through a gynecological surgery in 1961and had a gall bladder operation at the Polyclinic Hospital in the same year. She also had a problem with her colon hence she was subjected to a process whereby liquids were passed into her rectum.
In female psychosexual disorders, sexual dysfunctions as a result of physiological factors that are most common. Gynecological conditions are frequently related to environmental and psychological factors with research indicating that the cause for such disorders may not be due to childhood abuse or a troubled childhood (Psychosexual, 2010, para.1-5). For treatment of such disorders, examination of all aspects that include physiology is required.
Management of psychosexual disorders requires a thorough understanding of the female psychosexual function by the clinical psychologist (The Obstetrician & Gynecologist, 2010, para. 1-3). The clinician must take every detail of the patient’s history such as relationship problems or sexual abuse. In addition, the analysis must also take into consideration all the social aspects surrounding the patient. Some psychosexual dysfunctions may require the clinical psychologist to analyze the patient over a longer period of time so as to fully understand the nature of her psychosexual disorders. Self exploration can be suggested by a sex therapist for cases of the physical pain experienced during sex (dyspareunia) which is normally caused by muscle tension in the vulva (The Obstetrician & Gynecologist, 2010, para. 5).
Modern day clinical psychologists must include females in psychosexual discussions and must learn how to relate these disorders to psychological, biological and social factors. The success rates in the treatment of these disorders through psychotherapy indicate that modern day specialists in the medical field must be ready to embrace psychosexual analysis in their treatment procedures (Psychosexual, 2010). Medical treatments alone are not enough in the management of psychosexual disorders and medications such as sex therapy must be employed by the clinicians.
Conclusion
The Case of Marilyn Monroe is a perfect example of the application of clinical psychology in the management of psychosexual dysfunctions in women. Studies in psychology must be shifted to women as previous studies have mainly focused on men while research shows that both sexes are equally affected by these disorders. The increase in the prevalence rates of psychosexual disorders also demands the adoption these methods.
Reference List
- MDGuidelines. (2007). Psychosexual Disorders.
- Psychosexual. (2010). Psychosexual Disorders in Women.
- The Internet Movie Database. (2010). Biography for Marilyn Monroe. Web.
- The Obstetrician & Gynecologist. (2010). Current Thoughts on Psychosexual Disorders in Women. Web.
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