Dual Control Model
In-Depth Explanation
In-Depth Explanation
The Dual Control Model of Sexual Response
Developed by researchers Erick Janssen and John Bancroft at the Kinsey Institute, the Dual Control Model offers a powerful framework for understanding why arousal happens—or doesn't. The key insight: sexual response is controlled by two systems—an "accelerator" that responds to sexual stimulation, and "brakes" that respond to threats.
Why this matters for you: Understanding your unique balance between accelerators and brakes is transformative—it shows you exactly what to adjust for better arousal.
The Accelerator
Sexual Excitation System (SES)
Scans for sexually relevant stimuli and sends "turn on" signals. Responds to touch, sight, smell, fantasy, emotional connection—anything your brain codes as sexual.
The Brakes
Sexual Inhibition System (SIS)
Scans for reasons NOT to be aroused and sends "turn off" signals. Responds to stress, fear, pain, shame, distraction, relationship concerns—anything threatening.
The Critical Insight
Arousal isn't just about having enough stimulation (accelerator). It's equally about having few enough threats (brakes). This means:
Low arousal might mean:
- • Not enough accelerator activation
- • Too much brake activation
- • Or both
The solution depends on the cause:
- • Need more accelerator? Add stimulation
- • Need less brakes? Remove threats
- • Usually, addressing brakes is more effective
Understanding Your Brakes
Common Brake Activators
Your brakes are activated by anything your brain perceives as a threat—even subtle ones:
External threats:
- • Stress (work, money, family)
- • Lack of privacy
- • Time pressure
- • Physical discomfort
- • Relationship conflict
- • Unfamiliar environment
Internal threats:
- • Body image concerns
- • Performance anxiety
- • Shame about sexuality
- • Past trauma
- • Fear of rejection
- • Trust issues
Your Unique Pattern
People vary in the sensitivity of both their accelerator and brakes:
High accelerator sensitivity:
You notice sexual cues easily and get aroused quickly. Advantage: easy to turn on. Challenge: may need variety to stay engaged.
Low accelerator sensitivity:
You need more explicit stimulation to get aroused. This is a variation, not a dysfunction. May need longer foreplay, more intentional arousal.
High brake sensitivity:
Many things can shut down your arousal—stress, distraction, self-consciousness. Focus on reducing threats rather than adding stimulation.
Low brake sensitivity:
You can get aroused even in challenging contexts. Advantage: resilient arousal. Note: may need to ensure good judgment isn't compromised.
Applying the Model
Self-Assessment Exercise
Take time to reflect on your accelerators and brakes:
1. Identify your accelerators:
What turns you on? Consider: types of touch, visual cues, emotional connection, fantasy, context, time of day, etc.
2. Identify your brakes:
What shuts down your arousal? Consider: stress, body image, performance worries, relationship issues, distractions, etc.
3. Assess sensitivity:
Are you more affected by lack of accelerator or presence of brakes? For most people, especially women, managing brakes is more important.
4. Create conditions for arousal:
Based on your answers: How can you activate more accelerators AND reduce brakes in your sexual context?
Your Action Steps
1. Map your accelerators
List everything that turns you on—types of touch, context, time of day, emotional states. Know what works for you.
2. Identify your brakes
What shuts you down? Stress, body image, performance anxiety, relationship issues? Be specific.
3. Focus on reducing brakes first
For most people, removing threats is more effective than adding stimulation. What brake can you release?
4. Create your ideal context
Based on your accelerators and brakes, design the conditions most likely to support your arousal.
Rate This Theory
All ratings are anonymous
Help others by sharing