The relationship between major depression and cognitive processes leading to sexual reactions is insufficiently exmpiricaly explored. In a present work the dual control model is explained and and its importance in the context of depressive symptomatolog y is discussed.
Based on the analysis of the model, a systematic search of the literature was performed, focusing on cognitive processes affecting sexual functioning in individuals with major depression. Only 37 relevant studies was found in seven research areas (attention, self-esteem, empathy, moral judgement, risk assessment and pain perception).
Implications of the results for future research are discussed.