By Pat Kelly.
Women are labouring under an unrealistic, idealised perception of romance and sex that is partly down to the influence of romantic fiction, according to an article in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care.
In some areas of the developed world, romantic titles account for almost 50 per cent of fictional books purchased. However, for many women this is contributing to an idealised perception of the realities that exist around sex and romance, according to the article in the Journal, which is published by the BMJ Group.
This can lead to relationship problems when certain realities hit home, said the article’s author Susan Quilliam.
“I would argue that a huge number of the issues we see in our clinics and therapy rooms are influenced by romantic fiction,” explained Quilliam. “What we see… is more likely to be influenced by Mills & Boon than by the Family Planning Association.”
'Sometimes the kindest and wisest thing we can do for our clients is to encourage them to put down the books and pick up reality'
Quilliam pointed to a number of examples of practical problems that arise in relationships and the sexual expectations that can be traced to perceptions gleaned from romantic fiction. “A deep strand of escapism, perfectionism and idealisation runs through the genre,” she wrote, “and clearly those messages run totally counter to those we are trying to promote.”
High expectations of risk-free sex and multiple orgasms are recurring themes, said Quilliam. However on a more practical level, she noted that a survey of romantic fiction revealed that only one in 10 mentioned condom use. “To be blunt, we [sexual health professionals] like condoms for protection and contraception, and they don’t.”
Quilliam also noted that there was a strong link between the amount of romantic fiction consumed and negative attitudes towards condoms.
“Above all, we teach that sex may be wonderful and relationships loving, but neither are ever perfect and idealising them is the short way to heartbreak,” Quilliam concluded. “Sometimes the kindest and wisest thing we can do for our clients is to encourage them to put down the books and pick up reality.”
The full article can be accessed via http://press.psprings.co.uk/JFPRH/july/JFPRH1100152.pdf
pat.kelly@imt.ie
About Pat Kelly
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