Sexual Inhibition System (SIS)
The part of the Dual Control Model describing the mechanisms that reduce sexual arousal when the brain detects risk, discomfort, or lack of safety.
What This Really Means
SIS reflects “erotic brakes,” such as worry about performance, fear of judgment, feeling unsafe, or practical concerns (privacy, time, stress).
Inhibition can be protective, and high inhibition does not mean low attraction.
Identifying specific brakes helps partners design contexts that support comfort and consent.
Examples
A person loses arousal when they feel rushed or overheard
Stress about body image makes it hard to stay present
Conflict earlier in the day makes touch feel less welcome.
Common Misunderstandings
Tap each myth to reveal the reality
More accurately, Sexual Inhibition System (SIS) refers to the part of the Dual Control Model describing the mechanisms that reduce sexual arousal when the brain detects risk, discomfort, or lack of, and if you have a strong sis, you don’t love your partner doesn’t follow from that.
Sexual Inhibition System (SIS) is about the part of the Dual Control Model describing the mechanisms that reduce sexual arousal when the brain detects risk, discomfort, or lack of, and it doesn’t imply that inhibition is purely psychological and can be “willed away”.
SIS isn’t automatically always bad and should be removed, and Sexual Inhibition System (SIS) is about the part of the Dual Control Model describing the mechanisms that reduce sexual arousal when the brain detects risk, discomfort, or lack of.
Sexual Inhibition System (SIS) describes the part of the Dual Control Model describing the mechanisms that reduce sexual arousal when the brain detects risk, discomfort, or lack of, so it doesn’t mean that arousal problems are only about attraction, not brakes.
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Inside LoveIQ
We identify patterns related to Sexual Inhibition System (SIS) by analyzing responses in our assessment modules, helping you understand your unique relationship dynamics.
Sample visualization of a gap metric.
“You don't need to label yourself. These terms help describe patterns — not define you.”
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